Tensions flare in Miami after U.S. flag flies in Cuba
LITTLE HAVANA - For the first time in 54 years, the American flag is flying approximately 90 miles away from Miami at the newly opened U.S. Embassy in Havana.
CBS Miami reports that reaction to the historic embassy opening on the island is split amongst Cuban-Americans in the city's Little Havana neighborhood.
Video captured a fight breaking out after an elderly man slammed a sign held by a man who is in favor of the new diplomatic relations. The man retaliated and several people fell to the ground, including a cameraman. CBS Miami reports that two people were taken into custody.
One person outside the popular Little Havana restaurant told CBS Miami: "I am here for support of the opening of the American Embassy in my country."
Esteban De La Ossa told Rodriguez, "peace is for your enemies and it has to begin somewhere I think, here in Miami the hope is that there will begin to unfold a lot of changes to come specifically human rights."
Some changes, people said, are needed on the island--hopefully a good change for the Cuban people.
"It's about the Cubans and making it better for them," said Guillermo Diaz.
But not everyone agrees and said they're upset over the way the U.S. government is handling the new relations.
"The fact that the dissidents haven't been invited it upsets me and the fact that the Cuban exile community was not counted with this was done behind our back so it really, really upsets me," said Hector Schwerdt.
"Everybody in abstract is in favor of diplomatic relations. Let's put the past behind us, let bygones be bygones, that's all nice, but this is not a two-way street here, it's just a one-way street in full speed by the U.S. and nothing coming back," said Nicolas Gutierrez.