On Wednesday, Florida's Republican Senator Ashley Moody shared a message on her X account to commemorate the 124th anniversary of Cuba's independence. She emphasized that "Cuba’s fight for freedom continues" and revealed her involvement in a Department of Justice event in Miami.
"On May 20, 1902, Cuba became a free and independent state. The Castros stole it away," Moody stated, underscoring the necessity of maintaining pressure on the Cuban communist regime and holding its tyrannical government accountable.
The senator also announced her participation in a Department of Justice event at Miami's Freedom Tower. This iconic building, which served as a reception center for Cuban refugees since 1962, stands as a historic symbol of the Cuban diaspora.
The event was connected to a federal criminal indictment against 94-year-old Raúl Castro, concerning his role in the shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996.
In that incident, Cuban Air Force MiG-29 fighters shot down the aircraft over international waters in the Florida Straits, resulting in the deaths of four individuals: Armando Alejandre Jr. (45), Carlos Costa (29), Mario de la Peña (24), and Pablo Morales (29).
At the time of the shootdown, Raúl Castro was the head of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, placing him at the center of the potential federal indictment being prepared by the Department of Justice for this May 20.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Cuban-American Congress members Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez were also expected to attend the event.
Moody was appointed as Florida's senator in early 2025 by Governor Ron DeSantis, filling the seat vacated by Marco Rubio when he became Secretary of State.
Since assuming her Senate role, Moody has consistently taken a tough stance on Cuba. In February 2025, she co-sponsored the DEMOCRACIA Act with Rick Scott, aimed at blocking assets and denying entry to Cuban officials. In July 2025, she supported the Trump administration's sanctions against the regime, labeling the Cuban government as a "murderous communist dictatorship."
The Brothers to the Rescue case has remained unresolved in court for three decades. The International Civil Aviation Organization concluded that Cuba used force against civilian aircraft outside its airspace, and the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1067 on July 26, 1996, condemning the attack.
The only individual convicted in the U.S. was Cuban spy Gerardo Hernández, who was released during a prisoner swap in December 2014.
A potential indictment against Raúl Castro would be largely symbolic, as there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the U.S., and Castro has never set foot on American soil. However, it would represent a historic milestone for the victims’ families and the Cuban exile community.
Understanding the Legal and Political Impact of the Raúl Castro Indictment
What is the significance of the Raúl Castro indictment?
The indictment against Raúl Castro is primarily symbolic, as it highlights the ongoing legal and political efforts to hold Cuban officials accountable for past actions. It serves as a milestone for victims' families and the Cuban exile community, despite the lack of an extradition treaty between Cuba and the U.S.
How has Ashley Moody approached the issue of Cuba since becoming a senator?
Since taking office, Senator Ashley Moody has maintained a firm position on Cuba, co-sponsoring legislation to block assets and entry for Cuban officials and supporting sanctions against the regime. Her actions reflect a commitment to opposing the Cuban government's policies.