ICYMI: Attorney General James Uthmeier Secures State Arrest Warrant for Communist Dictator of Cuba, Raúl Castro
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2026
Contact:
Office of Public Information
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) secured a state arrest warrant for Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder in connection with the February 24, 1996, shootdown of two unarmed Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft over international waters. Last year, Attorney General Uthmeier directed OSP to reopen the investigation into Castro.
“Raúl Castro ordered the murder of four Floridians in cold blood, and Florida will never stop pursuing accountability for that communist conspiracy,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “The Castro regime’s spies operated in our communities, fed intelligence to Havana, and helped put civilian pilots in the crosshairs of Cuban MiGs. Thirty years later, we are still fighting for justice for Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario de la Peña, and Armando Alejandre Jr.”
“Attorney General James Uthmeier has been a steadfast advocate for a free Cuba, and when it comes to pursuing justice, he doesn’t just talk about it. He acts,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “Our historic federal indictment laid the groundwork, and James and his team have now taken the important step of bringing charges under Florida law. Under President Trump’s administration, we’re committed to pursuing every lawful, prosecutable avenue to bring accountability, including parallel federal and state prosecutions. We’re proud to stand with Florida in seeking justice for the four Americans murdered in the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown nearly 30 years ago.”
“Today’s case development carries a weight that has been felt for years—by the victims’ families, by the community, and by all who have waited for answers,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Michael Stein. “FDLE assuming the lead investigative role on this case reflects one of our state’s core approaches to public safety: that the passage of time does not diminish the pursuit of justice. FDLE’s involvement brings not only advanced investigative capabilities, but also the unwavering dedication of the agents and analysts who serve this state.”
“Today’s announcement of a Florida state arrest warrant for Raúl Castro marks a historic step toward accountability for the murders of Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales,” said Miami Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. “For thirty years, their families and our Cuban American community have carried this profound loss and refused to let the pursuit of justice fade. We honor their perseverance and recognize the generations of families who have suffered under the Castro regime. I commend Attorney General James Uthmeier for his leadership, determination, and unwavering partnership with law enforcement. He listens, understands what is at stake, and turns that understanding into action. I deeply value the relationship between our offices and our shared commitment to delivering justice for the people we serve. Today’s action sends a clear message: the passage of time does not diminish the value of these lives or our responsibility to pursue accountability.”
The warrant charges Castro with one count of Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder under Florida Statutes §§ 777.04(3) and 782.04(1)(a)1. The offense is a first-degree felony. The court ordered no bond.
According to the affidavit, Castro, then Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) and First Vice President of Cuba, was a final decision-maker in the chain of command that authorized the shootdown. Castro gave senior military leaders standing orders: “Fine, shoot them down at sea when they show up, and those who have the authority are not to consult anyone.”
Cuban Directorate of Intelligence (DI) agents operating as part of the Wasp Network in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties infiltrated Brothers to the Rescue, reported flight plans, and supported Operación Escorpión (Operation Scorpion). On February 24, 1996, three unarmed Cessna aircraft departed Opa-Locka Airport in Miami-Dade County. After the aircraft crossed the 24th parallel southbound—well outside Cuba’s territorial waters—Cuban MiGs destroyed two of them with air-to-air missiles, killing the four occupants. Both aircraft were traveling away from Cuba and received no warning despite contact with Havana air traffic control.
The affidavit establishes that elements of the conspiracy, including the collection and transmission of flight data by DI agents and related intelligence directives, occurred in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit (Miami-Dade County) and the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit (Monroe County). OSP will assume jurisdiction over the multi-circuit organized criminal conspiracy.
The case remains active and further charges are possible. The warrant was signed by Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
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