The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera into custody on Monday, a former Cuban official known for his strong connections with the Castro elite, particularly Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "El Cangrejo," who is the grandson and personal bodyguard of Raúl Castro. Rodríguez Cabrera, who previously held a role linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), was apprehended in the state of Nevada. According to the ICE detention report, he has been transferred to the Southern Nevada Detention Center.
Insider sources within ICE, as reported by journalist Mario J. Penton, indicate that Rodríguez Cabrera is facing expedited deportation proceedings, which could result in a swift return to Cuba. Prominent influencer Alexander Otaola has also quickly highlighted this arrest.
From Diplomatic Circles to Asylum Seeker
A few weeks ago, Martí Noticias published an investigation uncovering Rodríguez Cabrera's close ties with the island's power structure and his diplomatic past. In 2022, Rodríguez Cabrera crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and sought political asylum alongside his two children and then-wife, Isabean Rapetti. Despite presenting himself as an ordinary migrant, his history revealed deep connections to the Castro regime. Over the years, he participated in diplomatic missions as part of the MINREX and was photographed alongside the dictator's grandson, "El Cangrejo," during an official visit to the U.S. in 2015.
Researcher Luis Domínguez, from the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba, noted that Rodríguez worked in the diplomatic mail service at MINREX, and his closeness to “El Cangrejo” opened numerous doors both on and off the island. In 2023, America Tevé released footage of Rodríguez Cabrera enjoying a luxurious lifestyle on a yacht with "El Cangrejo" and their respective partners.
An Enterprise Under Scrutiny
After applying for asylum, Rodríguez Cabrera settled in Las Vegas, initially working in small businesses and as a pool cleaner. In November 2024, he established Gran Azul LLC, a logistics company offering door-to-door shipping, car sales, food, and travel packages to Cuba. Martí Noticias disclosed that official Nevada state documents identify him as the manager of the company, with another individual, Marcel Blanco Fernández, listed as a "member."
Gran Azul's social media profiles display an active presence across multiple U.S. cities, including Miami, Orlando, Houston, Phoenix, Fort Myers, and others. Following his arrest by ICE, and being subjected to expedited deportation, authorities might soon repatriate Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera to Cuba unless he files a formal appeal or his defense argues a credible fear of persecution. Such an appeal could be complicated by his past and connections to the regime's diplomatic apparatus.
As of the latest update, no further information on the case has been released.
Key Questions on Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera's Arrest and Deportation
Why was Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera arrested by ICE?
Rodríguez Cabrera was arrested by ICE due to his connections with the Castro regime and his involvement in expedited deportation proceedings, potentially leading to his return to Cuba.
What is Gran Azul LLC?
Gran Azul LLC is a logistics company founded by Rodríguez Cabrera that provides door-to-door shipping, car sales, food, and travel packages to Cuba.
What could happen next in Rodríguez Cabrera's case?
Rodríguez Cabrera could be deported to Cuba unless he files a formal appeal or his defense successfully argues a credible fear of persecution, although this could be complicated by his past connections with the Castro regime.