Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez has leveled accusations against the Cuban regime for providing sanctuary to some of the world's most dangerous criminals.
"The regime in Cuba harbors some of the world's most dangerous criminals, convicted terrorists, and fugitives from U.S. justice," Giménez stated on X.
He emphasized, "We cannot continue to tolerate this significant threat to U.S. security just 90 miles from our shores."
Giménez's remarks follow a reminder from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the anniversary of the January 24, 1975, terrorist attack at Fraunces Tavern in New York. The attack resulted in four deaths and injuries to over fifty individuals.
Rubio condemned the Cuban regime for continuing to protect the mastermind of the attack, Puerto Rican extremist William "Guillermo" Morales. "The illegitimate Cuban regime continues to shelter William Morales, the mastermind of this heinous crime," Rubio declared on X. "We honor the memory of those lost and acknowledge the enduring pain of the victims. The United States will not relent in its pursuit of justice," he added.
Morales was the leading bomb maker for the separatist group Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN), responsible for over 130 bombings in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. After being convicted of terrorism and escaping prison, he fled to Mexico in 1979. Following his arrest there, he managed to reach Cuba, where he has lived under official protection for more than four decades. Washington has repeatedly called for his extradition, but Havana has not responded.
The Morales case is just one among more than 70 American fugitives currently residing in Cuba, many of whom are accused of crimes such as murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, or terrorism.
Among these fugitives was Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, a former member of the Black Panthers, who killed police officer Werner Foerster in New Jersey in 1973. She died in Havana in 2025 without facing justice.
Key Figures and Issues in U.S.-Cuba Relations
Who is William "Guillermo" Morales?
William "Guillermo" Morales is a Puerto Rican extremist and former bomb maker for the separatist group FALN, responsible for numerous bombings in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s. He fled to Cuba where he has lived under protection for over 40 years.
Why is Cuba accused of harboring criminals?
Cuba is accused of providing refuge to more than 70 American fugitives, including those charged with serious crimes like terrorism, murder, and drug trafficking. This has been a point of contention in U.S.-Cuba relations.
What was the Fraunces Tavern attack?
The Fraunces Tavern attack was a terrorist bombing that occurred on January 24, 1975, in New York City, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to over fifty others. It was one of the many attacks carried out by the FALN.