This Wednesday, coinciding with Cuba’s Independence Day, two significant political events are set to unfold in Washington D.C. and Miami. In the nation's capital, a group of Republican congress members plans to hold a press conference urging for a formal indictment against Raúl Castro. Meanwhile, in Miami's Freedom Tower, the Department of Justice might disclose federal criminal charges against the 94-year-old former Cuban dictator.
Starting at 9 a.m. at the Capitol, Florida representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos A. Giménez, along with Nicole Malliotakis from New York, will collectively demand that the Justice Department charge Castro for his alleged role in the 1996 downing of two civilian planes by the Brothers to the Rescue organization. This act resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including three American citizens.
Back in February, these four lawmakers had formally addressed President Donald Trump, urging his administration to consider indicting Castro for his involvement in the incident, which they described as the cold-blooded murder of the victims.
At 1 p.m., attention will shift to the Freedom Tower in Miami for a Department of Justice event, which includes a significant announcement and a ceremony honoring the victims. Expected attendees include Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones, FBI Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia, Senator Ashley Moody, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Department of Justice is reportedly preparing a formal indictment against Castro, as confirmed by NBC News. Should the indictment proceed, it would require the approval of a federal grand jury.
The incident dates back to February 24, 1996, when Cuban military jets shot down two Brothers to the Rescue planes over international waters in the Florida Straits, killing Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. Investigations by the Organization of American States and the International Civil Aviation Organization concluded that the planes were downed outside of Cuban airspace, thereby violating international law.
A crucial piece of evidence is a 1996 recording released by journalist Wilfredo Cancio in El Nuevo Herald in 2006. In this audio, Raúl Castro, then the Minister of the Armed Forces, is heard instructing: "I was saying try to shoot them down over the territory, but they would enter Havana and leave. Well, shoot them down at sea when they appear; and don't consult those who have the faculties." The authenticity of this recording was confirmed by Alcibiades Hidalgo, Castro’s former personal secretary.
The push for an indictment gained momentum in 2026. In March, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the reopening of the state criminal investigation into the downing, noting that it had been closed during the Biden administration.
Additionally, on Monday, the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nine senior Cuban officials and Cuba’s Intelligence Directorate, aligning with the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy against the Cuban regime.
ABC correspondent David Alandete, citing a Justice Department source, indicated that criminal charges against Castro might be announced on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Miami Herald reported, based on two sources, that a federal grand jury indictment could be disclosed at the Freedom Tower event.
Although the families of three of the four victims received a civil compensation of $187 million, no Cuban official has yet been held criminally accountable in the United States for the attack.
Key Questions About the Potential Indictment Against Raúl Castro
What are the potential charges Raúl Castro might face?
Raúl Castro could face charges related to the 1996 downing of two civilian planes by Brothers to the Rescue, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three Americans.
What evidence supports the case against Raúl Castro?
A key piece of evidence is a 1996 audio recording where Raúl Castro reportedly instructed the shooting down of planes over international waters, confirmed by former personal secretary Alcibiades Hidalgo.
What has been the response from the U.S. government regarding this case?
The U.S. government, particularly under the Trump administration, has shown a strong interest in holding Raúl Castro accountable, with recent sanctions and a push for formal charges reflecting this stance.