The mystery deepens surrounding the identity of the former Cuban intelligence officer arrested in the United States on Wednesday morning for alleged fraud related to his status as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). Journalist Juan Manuel Cao speculated that the individual might be Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, a former military pilot for the Cuban regime. González-Pardo was reportedly involved in the shootdown of two aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue and, as of October last year, was believed to be residing in the U.S. under a humanitarian parole.
Having retired with the rank of colonel, González-Pardo was a member of the Cuban Anti-Air Defense and Revolutionary Air Force (DAAFAR) and took part in the 1996 downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes. This tragic incident led to the deaths of Cuban-American pilots Mario Manuel de la Peña (24), Armando Alejandre (45), Carlos Costa (29), and Cuban resident Pablo Morales (29). Cao noted that there is no official confirmation, but he shared photos of González-Pardo that resemble the individual seen from behind in the only photo released by authorities on Wednesday.
Speculation Surrounding the Arrest
Last year, members of the Cuban exile community and Cuban-American congress members raised alarms about the increasing number of Cuban regime officials entering or already residing in the United States. Although not directly responsible for firing the missiles that brought down the two planes on February 24, 1996, the pilot reportedly took off that day and pursued a third aircraft piloted by organization leader José Basulto and Arnaldo Iglesias. Onboard were also M.A.R leader Silvia Iriondo and her husband Andrés, who managed to escape.
After retiring, González-Pardo held significant positions in Cuban civil aviation, including serving as the deputy chief of Terminal 4 at Havana's José Martí International Airport, known as the International Cargo Terminal, a collaborative operation between Cuban and Spanish companies.
Another Theory Emerges
On social media, many users have speculated that the arrested individual might be Manuel Menéndez Castellanos, a former Communist Party secretary in the province of Cienfuegos and an ex-member of Fidel Castro's "coordination and support team." He reportedly arrived at Miami International Airport in August last year.
This event was reported by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who witnessed the arrival of the former party official. Menéndez Castellano, allegedly entering through family reunification, attempted to go unnoticed by wearing a cap, sanitary mask, and glasses. He arrived in a wheelchair, carrying a black briefcase on his lap. When approached by Pentón, Menéndez Castellano attempted to seize the camera, covered his face, and said, "I'm going home," in footage that went viral. Menéndez Castellanos had worked for the Cuban regime since 1972, initially with the Cuban Workers' Central (CTC) before becoming the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Cienfuegos from 1993 to 2003. He also served as a delegate to the National Assembly and represented the regime in international events such as the Venezuelan Communist Party Congress and the 10th Anniversary of Yemen's Unification.
The Arrest and Its Implications
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office in Miami confirmed the arrest via its official social media account, reporting that it was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). "HSI and its partners will continue their efforts to identify and arrest individuals who pose a threat to our national security," the statement emphasized.
The arrest highlights the commitment of U.S. authorities to investigate and prosecute cases of immigration fraud, particularly those involving individuals with prior ties to foreign intelligence entities. Authorities have promised to release the identity and video of the arrest on Thursday.
Should neither of the two mentioned Cubans be involved, many online agree that, given their political backgrounds, both would certainly merit deportation.
FAQs on the Arrest of Former Cuban Intelligence Officer
Why was the former Cuban intelligence officer arrested in the U.S.?
The former officer was arrested for alleged fraud related to his status as a Legal Permanent Resident in the United States.
Who are the potential suspects mentioned in the arrest?
The potential suspects include Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, a former military pilot involved in the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue aircraft incident, and Manuel Menéndez Castellanos, a former Communist Party secretary in Cienfuegos.
What were the implications of the Brothers to the Rescue incident?
The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of four Cuban-American pilots and increased tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, leading to international condemnation of the Cuban regime's actions.