On Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Raúl Castro is now a "fugitive from U.S. justice" following an indictment by a U.S. federal grand jury. However, he refrained from disclosing the government's strategy to bring Castro to trial.
"I'm not going to discuss how we would bring him here if we were attempting to do so. Why would I reveal our plans to the media?" Rubio responded when questioned about Washington's next steps after Castro was indicted for the shooting down of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, over international waters in the Florida Straits.
Rubio emphasized that Castro's situation as a fugitive is a reality, stating firmly, "If there is an announcement, we will likely inform you afterward, not beforehand."
Indictment Unveiled on Cuban Independence Day
The indictment was unveiled on May 20 — Cuba's Independence Day — by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at the Freedom Tower in Miami. It charges Castro with conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, aircraft destruction, and four individual counts of murder. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Nevertheless, the lack of an extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States poses a significant challenge to the immediate practical impact of the indictment against the dictator.
Response from Cuba
The Cuban regime vehemently rejected the charges. Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel dismissed them as a "political action with no legal basis," and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez labeled them as a "farce," calling Rubio a "mouthpiece for corrupt and vengeful interests." Cuban authorities organized a march at the Anti-Imperialist Platform in support of Castro.
Pressure Escalates on Cuba
The indictment is part of an unprecedented escalation of pressure. Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions on Cuba and intercepted at least seven oil tankers, reducing energy imports by 80% to 90%.
During the press conference, Rubio was asked about the potential for a negotiated agreement with Havana. He was unequivocal, stating, "Honestly, I don't see much progress," and adding that "the likelihood of such an occurrence with the current regime is low."
He warned that the Cuban government cannot continue its typical delay tactics with Washington: "For years, they've been buying time and waiting us out," he said. "They won't be able to wait us out or buy time. We are very serious. We are very focused."
Rubio's Blunt Critique of Cuba's System
Rubio described Cuba as a "failed state," directly criticizing GAESA, the military-corporate conglomerate, attributing $18 billion in assets to it, and asserting that "not a penny goes to the state budget or helps the Cuban people."
"Their system doesn't work. Their economic system doesn't work. It's broken and cannot be fixed with the current political system. They simply don't know how to make it work. It's a failed state," Rubio asserted forcefully.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raúl Castro's Indictment
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four individual counts of murder.
Why is there no immediate impact of the indictment?
The immediate practical impact is limited due to the absence of an extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States.
How has the Cuban government responded to the indictment?
The Cuban government has rejected the charges, calling them a "political action with no legal basis" and a "farce," and has organized protests in defense of Castro.