Cuban American lawmakers welcomed a Florida arrest warrant issued for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, citing his alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft. The legislators described the legal action as a significant step toward accountability for the Cuban government and vowed to continue advocating for political freedom on the island.
The warrant was issued after Ariana Fajardo Orshan, chief judge of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit, determined there was probable cause to believe Castro conspired to commit first-degree murder. The alleged crime involved the downing of two Miami-based civilian aircraft participating in a humanitarian operation near Cuba in 1996.
Rep. Carlos Giménez, R-Fla., characterized the moment as deeply personal, noting he is the only Cuban-born member of Congress. He stated that Castro and his regime have oppressed the Cuban people while avoiding accountability for decades. Giménez described the warrant as a powerful message in the pursuit of justice, suggesting those responsible for suffering could soon face consequences.
"No previous administration has taken this historic step, and our community is eternally grateful for it," Giménez told Fox News Digital. He added that for millions of Cubans who suffered under what he called tyranny, including exiles, the warrant represents a significant milestone in a decades-long struggle for freedom.
Rep. Uthmeier also spoke to Fox News Digital, alleging that Castro ordered the premeditated, state-sanctioned murder of four Floridians. He identified the victims as Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario de la Peña and Armando Alejandre Jr. Uthmeier’s office noted that the warrant could restrict Castro’s ability to travel to countries with extradition agreements with the United States.
Florida state Rep. Juan Porras said the warrant demonstrates that Florida will not forget the victims of the communist regime. Porras thanked the Miami judge for signing the state arrest warrant for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He acknowledged that thirty years later, justice is progressing, but emphasized that Cuba is not yet free.
"We will not stop until it is," Porras said, adding in Spanish that "Cuba will be free." Giménez stated that while the warrant is historic, lawmakers will keep fighting until political prisoners are released and the Cuban people can determine their own destiny.
The incident occurred on Feb. 24, 1996, when two unarmed aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue were shot down over international waters. Four people died in the attack. At the time of the incident, Castro served as Cuba’s defense minister. He was federally indicted earlier this year in connection with the deaths.