‘I believe in independence’: Puerto Rico’s young people fighting for sovereignty from the US
Puerto Rico's youth are increasingly advocating for independence from the United States, driven by frustrations over inadequate federal disaster response, environmental concerns, and cultural identity. Groups like Juventud Unida por la Independencia (JUPI) have organized protests against foreign development projects and highlighted issues of colonialism and self-determination. The movement has gained momentum since Hurricane Maria in 2017, with growing support fueled by diaspora engagement and cultural figures like Bad Bunny.
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A protest demanding an end to ties between Puerto Rico and power grid consortium Luma Energy, on 13 October 2025. Photograph: Diego Nieves BerriosView image in fullscreenA protest demanding an end to ties between Puerto Rico and power grid consortium Luma Energy, on 13 October 2025. Photograph: Diego Nieves BerriosPuerto Rico‘I believe in independence’: Puerto Rico’s young people fighting for sovereignty from the USPopular sentiment has been growing since 2017, when the US failed in providing disaster relief after Hurricane MariaMelissa HellmannThu 30 Apr 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Thu 30 Apr 2026 09.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on Google“Mandarin hotel! Out of Puerto Rico!” was the refrain of dozens of demonstrators on 21 April 2025 as they took over the lobby of the tony Manhattan…
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