U.S. authorities announced on Wednesday the arrest and formal charges against Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, a 64-year-old former member of Cuba's Revolutionary Air Force. He faces accusations of immigration fraud and falsifying federal documents.
These charges were filed by the U.S. Attorney's Offices for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, as stated in a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The court documents reveal that on April 20, 2025, González-Pardo Rodríguez submitted a Form I-485 to the Department of Homeland Security, seeking permanent residency. Within this application, he allegedly failed to disclose his military background and falsely claimed he never received weapons training or served in any military or police force, despite his nearly 30-year service in Cuba's Air and Air Defense Forces from 1980 to 2009.
Assistant Attorney General Pamela Bondi remarked, "This man's past as a military pilot for Castro's oppressive regime, responsible for immense suffering among the Cuban people, should have been a critical factor in his immigration file."
She added that the DOJ is committed to rigorously prosecuting anyone who deceives about their past to exploit the U.S. immigration system.
The statement notes that if convicted of all charges, including fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, as well as making false statements to a federal agency, the accused could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
The investigation was led by the FBI's Miami office, with support from Jacksonville field offices, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).
Prosecutors Kelly S. Milliron and Abbie D. Waxman will handle the case in Florida's federal courts.
The DOJ emphasized that an indictment is not a declaration of guilt, and the accused remains innocent until proven otherwise.
Who is Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez?
Retired Colonel Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, a former pilot of Cuba's Air and Air Defense Forces, was allegedly involved in the 1996 downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes over international waters, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-American pilots.
After retiring, he held positions in Cuban civil aviation, including deputy chief of Terminal 4 at José Martí International Airport, known as the International Cargo Terminal, operated alongside foreign companies.
In 2024, it was reported that González-Pardo was living in Jacksonville, Florida, allegedly arriving under the humanitarian parole approved by the Biden administration.
According to multiple sources, he worked at a bakery while awaiting the arrival of his wife, still in Cuba. His case sparked criticism from the Cuban exile community and lawmakers concerned about former regime enforcers entering the U.S.
Also in 2024, Cuban exile leaders in Miami demanded an investigation into the former pilot and urged Florida authorities to review evidence of his alleged involvement in the plane downing.
During a conference at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, victims' families and activists such as Nelson Morales, Marcell Felipe, and Alex Rizo called for a formal case to be opened.
Sources claim González-Pardo piloted a MiG-29A that pursued the plane of organization leader José Basulto, alongside fellow pilot Raúl Simanca Cárdenas. Although he is not accused of firing the missiles, he was implicated in the operation under the orders of Rubén Martínez Puente, then commander of the Cuban air force.
In 2024, the exile community continued to demand justice for the victims of the 1996 air attack, as González-Pardo's name resurfaces now in a U.S. legal proceeding over immigration fraud and document falsification.
Key Questions on Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez's Case
What are the charges against Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez?
He faces charges of immigration fraud and falsifying federal documents, including misrepresentation on immigration forms.
What could be the potential sentence if he is found guilty?
If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
What is the significance of his military past in the case?
His military background is significant as it contradicts his immigration claims stating he never served in a military force, which is a key aspect of the charges.
How has the Cuban exile community reacted to his case?
The Cuban exile community has criticized his presence in the U.S. and demanded investigations into his past, particularly concerning his alleged role in the 1996 air incident.