MIAMI – The Justice Department is reportedly preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro. This development comes in the context of President Donald Trump’s threats of potential military action against the communist-run island, as confirmed by sources familiar with the situation.
The potential indictment is said to be linked to Castro’s alleged involvement in the 1996 shootdown of four planes operated by the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. At the time, Castro was serving as the defense minister of Cuba.
Three individuals familiar with the matter spoke on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss ongoing investigations. The indictment would require the approval of a grand jury before any formal charges could be brought against Castro.
Earlier reports indicated that the U.S. Attorney’s office in Miami had established a special working group focused on prosecuting high-ranking Cuban officials. This initiative was spurred by renewed calls from several South Florida Republicans to revisit the case surrounding Castro’s actions during the 1996 incident. To date, only one person has been convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the shootdown, highlighting the complexities surrounding this long-standing issue.
As President Trump seeks to reduce American military engagement in Iran, there is growing speculation that he might redirect his focus toward Cuba. Earlier this year, Trump suggested a “friendly takeover” of Cuba if its leadership did not engage in economic reforms and expel U.S. adversaries from the island.
In a notable diplomatic development, CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently met with Cuban officials, including Raúl Castro’s grandson, during a high-level visit to the island. This meeting reflects ongoing efforts by U.S. officials to navigate the complex relationship between the two nations.
Raúl Castro, now 94 years old, assumed the presidency from his brother, Fidel Castro, in 2011. In 2019, he transferred power to Miguel Díaz-Canel, a loyalist he handpicked to lead the country. Although Castro has largely stepped back from the public eye since retiring as head of the Cuban Communist Party in 2021, he is believed to continue wielding significant influence behind the scenes. This perception is reinforced by the rising prominence of his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who has engaged in secret meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
