The U.S. Department of Justice has formally charged former Cuban dictator Raúl Castro for his alleged role in the downing of two civilian planes belonging to the organization Brothers to the Rescue on February 24, 1996. In a bold statement, the White House declared, "The United States and President Trump do not forget their citizens."
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made the announcement at Miami's Freedom Tower, a symbol of Cuban exile, on a day filled with symbolism: May 20, Cuba's Independence Day.
"For nearly 30 years, the families of four murdered Americans have waited for justice," stated Blanche, encapsulating the government's stance with a decisive declaration: "If you kill Americans, we will hunt you down."
President Trump emphasized that "The United States will not tolerate a rogue state hosting hostile foreign military, intelligence, and terrorist operations just 90 miles from American shores."
The charges against Castro encompass conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four individual murder counts. A grand jury in Miami returned the indictment on April 23, 2026, which was unsealed on Wednesday.
Alongside Castro, five Cuban military personnel, all pilots, were also indicted: Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, Emilio José Palacio Blanco, José Fidel Gual Bárzaga, Raúl Simanca Cárdenas, and Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez.
The latter, a 64-year-old former Cuban Air Force pilot, is already in U.S. custody after being arrested on Tuesday for immigration fraud and making false statements to a federal agency, having concealed his military background when applying for permanent residency in April 2025.
The four victims of the downing were Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario Manuel de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, all Miami residents —three U.S. citizens and one legal resident— whose bodies were never recovered.
According to the indictment, the unarmed Cessna 337 Skymaster planes were shot down by Cuban Air Force MiG-29 fighters over international waters in the Florida Straits while conducting search and rescue missions for Cuban rafters. A third plane, piloted by organization founder José Basulto, managed to escape.
The case's centerpiece is a June 1996 audio recording where Castro describes the order given: "I said try to shoot them down over the territory, but they would come into Havana and leave... Well, shoot them down over the sea when they appear; and do not consult those who have the faculties."
At the time of the attack, Raúl Castro was the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, placing him at the top of the military command chain.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar hailed the indictment with two statements: "It is a glorious day for Cubans" and "Today marks the beginning of the end for the Castro family." Meanwhile, Basulto expressed his emotions: "I have longed for this for a long time. I have longed for justice to become a reality."
The Cuban regime dismissed the accusations, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez calling Marco Rubio a "spokesperson for corrupt and revanchist interests," and the Cuban Embassy in Washington labeling the process a "sham."
The indictment has primarily symbolic implications since there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States, and Castro, now 94, has never set foot on American soil. Nevertheless, this case marks the first time U.S. federal justice has formally charged the ex-dictator for one of the most severe crimes committed against U.S. citizens in recent decades.
Key Questions About Raúl Castro's Indictment
What charges has Raúl Castro faced in the U.S. indictment?
Raúl Castro has been charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.
Why is this indictment significant despite the lack of an extradition treaty?
The indictment is significant as it represents the first formal charge against Raúl Castro by U.S. federal justice for serious crimes against American citizens, highlighting the U.S. commitment to seeking justice.