Close Associate of Raúl Castro's Grandson Seeks Asylum in the U.S.

Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera, a close associate of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo" and the grandson of Raúl Castro, crossed into the United States via the southern border in 2022, where he applied for political asylum, according to a report by Martí Noticias. Accompanied by his wife and two children, Jorge Javier, despite his close ties to Cuba's political elite and its main repressive apparatus, sought refuge in the U.S.

The 37-year-old had previously visited the U.S. as a member of the Cuban diplomatic corps. On at least two occasions, as noted by journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias, he accompanied "El Cangrejo," who is not only Raúl Castro's grandson but also his personal bodyguard.

The Connection to the Regime

In 2015 and 2021, Rodríguez Cabrera was photographed with the regime's high-ranking officials in the U.S. On the first occasion, he appeared alongside Castro and his grandson during Raúl Castro's visit to the U.S. under Barack Obama's administration. The second instance found him at a baseball stadium in New York in 2021.

In America, Rodríguez Cabrera is not your typical exile. Official documents from the state of Nevada, reviewed by Martí Noticias, indicate that he is the manager of Gran Azul LLC., a company founded in November 2024 that specializes in door-to-door services, logistics, car sales, and basic goods. The company also offers travel packages to Cuba and car rentals on the island. Marcel Blanco Fernández is listed as a member of the enterprise, suggesting a possible co-ownership structure.

The Business Landscape

Through social media, a significant growth and investment in advertising are evident, with promotions made by well-known figures in the Cuban-American community in South Florida, Martí Noticias reports.

Researcher Luis Domínguez from the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba confirmed to the press that "Jorge Javier worked in the diplomatic mail service of the MINREX, as his father did. This granted him certain privileges, but it was his closeness to Raúl's grandson that opened doors for him."

The relationship between Rodríguez Cabrera and Raúl's grandson was further documented in a 2023 America TeVé video where they both appear on a yacht, showcasing the privileges enjoyed by the regime. The video reveals the luxury of the yacht and the exquisite dishes they had, far removed from the reach of average Cubans who earn modest salaries.

Family sources told Martí Noticias that Nirayna Cabrera Mejía, the mother of the former official, has expressed fear that her son might be deported back to Cuba due to his proximity to the regime. The same sources confirm that the mother of Rodríguez Cabrera's children, Isabean Rapetti, and the children have already obtained permanent residency in the United States.

Rodríguez Cabrera did not respond to interview requests from Martí Noticias and has since deleted his Instagram account. Similarly, Marcel Blanco Fernández, co-owner of Rodríguez's business, blocked attempts to reach him.

Questions About Asylum

Rodríguez's case differs markedly from many Cubans who sell their belongings and cross borders, facing a challenging life and uncertain future in the U.S. In contrast, "El Cangrejo's" friend has managed to establish businesses and lead a prosperous life.

In recent months, several agents and enforcers of the Cuban regime have been spotted in cities like Miami, sparking outrage within the Cuban exile community. The U.S. government is stepping up efforts to identify and deport individuals who enter the country under false pretenses, hiding their affiliations with the Cuban regime. ICE is calling on the public to report any information about human rights violators present in the United States.