Florida Reopens Criminal Investigation Into Former Cuban Leader Raul Castro

Florida's Attorney General announced the state will resume a criminal investigation into former Cuban leader Raul Castro's alleged involvement in the 1996 downing of exile aircraft. The probe had been previously halted during the Biden administration but is now being reactivated as the incident's anniversary approaches.

MIAMI (AP) — Florida’s top prosecutor announced Wednesday that the state will resume a criminal probe examining former Cuban leader Raul Castro’s alleged involvement in the deadly 1996 downing of aircraft flown by anti-communist Cuban exiles.

During a Miami press briefing Wednesday, Attorney General James Uthmeier revealed that a criminal inquiry targeting Castro that started years ago was halted under the Biden administration’s watch.

“When this came to my attention, we reactivated the files,” Uthmeier said. “So yes, that investigation will be ongoing.”

As the February 1996 incident’s 30th anniversary nears, multiple Miami-area Republican officials and Florida Senator Rick Scott have urged the Trump administration to restart federal criminal proceedings focused on Castro’s suspected involvement in shooting down two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft.

This revived focus on the case comes as Trump adopts an increasingly hardline approach toward Cuba’s communist government following the U.S. apprehension of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, a key Cuban ally.

In a February 13 correspondence to Trump, congressional representatives including Maria Elvira Salazar and Carlos Gimenez referenced historical news accounts suggesting Castro — who commanded Cuba’s armed forces during that period — authorized the attack on the civilian Cessna planes.

“We believe unequivocally that Raul Castro is responsible for this heinous crime,” lawmakers wrote. “It is time for him to be brought to justice.”

Speaking at Wednesday’s press event, Uthmeier emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who may have committed crimes against Florida residents.

“I can’t really say too much more at this point, but we are going to continue this investigation,” he said during the news conference. “I know a lot of members of the state legislature and other people here in Florida would like to see some resolution and ideally accountability.”

Uthmeier’s office declined to provide additional details about the ongoing investigation when contacted.

Cuban government representatives did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

So far, American courts have only secured one conviction related to the aircraft downing conspiracy. Gerardo Hernández, who led a Cuban spy network broken up by federal agents in the 1990s, received a life sentence but was freed by President Barack Obama in a December 2014 prisoner exchange after 16 years behind bars.

Two Cuban fighter pilots and their superior officer have also faced indictments but remain beyond U.S. law enforcement’s reach while residing in Cuba.