The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to formally charge Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president of Cuba and ex-leader of the Cuban Armed Forces, according to three sources familiar with the situation who spoke to the Associated Press.
The potential indictment focuses on the tragic events of February 24, 1996, when Cuban Air Force MiG-29 jets shot down two unarmed Cessna planes belonging to the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue over international waters. This incident resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans: Armando Alejandre Jr. (45), Carlos Costa (29), Mario de la Peña (24), and Pablo Morales (29). The remains of these individuals were never recovered.
The International Civil Aviation Organization concluded that the shootdowns occurred between nine and ten nautical miles outside Cuban territorial airspace, contravening international law. At that time, Fidel Castro was Cuba's leader, while Raúl Castro led the military forces. A recording released in 2006 by journalist Wilfredo Cancio Isla captures Raúl Castro himself stating, "I said to try to shoot them down."
Declassified FBI documents also disclose a plan known as "Operation Venice," devised on February 13, 1996, aimed at downing the planes. The twin brothers Lorenzo Alberto Pérez Pérez and Francisco Pérez Pérez, identified as the direct perpetrators and lieutenant colonels in the Cuban Air Force, were charged in the U.S. but never extradited.
Increasing Diplomatic Tensions
This potential indictment is part of a broader legal and diplomatic pressure campaign by the Trump administration on the Cuban regime. In November 2025, the DOJ arrested former Cuban pilot Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, a retired colonel, for allegedly lying on immigration forms and concealing his military past linked to the shootdown. In March 2026, Florida's Attorney General reopened the criminal investigation into the case.
Senator Rick Scott, in March 2026, demanded, "I want Raúl Castro charged for his crimes, for killing Americans." U.S. Representatives Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, and María Elvira Salazar supported this call through a formal letter to the DOJ.
U.S. Position on Dialogue with Cuba
On Thursday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana, meeting with Raúl Castro's grandson, Cuba's Interior Minister, and the head of Cuban intelligence. Ratcliffe conveyed that the U.S. is open to dialogue only if Cuba undertakes "fundamental changes."
President Donald Trump, when questioned about the possible charges while aboard Air Force One returning from a state visit to China, neither confirmed nor denied the reports: "Well, I don't want to comment on that. I'll let the Department of Justice speak. But they need help, as you know."
He further commented, "When you talk about a country in decline, they are truly a nation, a country in decay. So we'll see. We have a lot to discuss about Cuba, but maybe not today."
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Let it roll, it's about time!"
Despite the significant symbolic and political impact of such an action, practical challenges remain considerable. Raúl Castro has never set foot on U.S. soil, is 94 years old, and there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States. The indictment, pending grand jury approval, would primarily serve as a diplomatic pressure tool on the regime.
Key Questions on Raúl Castro's Potential Indictment
What is the main reason for Raúl Castro's potential indictment?
The indictment is centered on the 1996 incident where Cuban Air Force jets shot down two unarmed planes belonging to Brothers to the Rescue, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
How has the international community responded to the 1996 shootdown incident?
The International Civil Aviation Organization determined that the incident violated international law, as it occurred outside Cuban territorial airspace.
What are the main obstacles to prosecuting Raúl Castro?
Significant challenges include Raúl Castro's advanced age, the lack of an extradition treaty between Cuba and the U.S., and the fact that he has never been on U.S. soil.