The U.S. Department of Justice has established a task force to investigate potential federal charges against officials or entities within the Cuban government, as reported by The Washington Post, citing a source familiar with the initiative.
The effort involves collaboration among various government agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, and focuses on exploring possible crimes related to immigration, economic issues, and other areas.
This involvement by the Treasury suggests that the Trump administration might also be considering new sanctions against Cuba.
The Justice Department, according to the report, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This initiative emerges as Trump once again prioritizes Cuba in his foreign policy agenda.
Miami's Role in Leading the Charge
The oversight of this task force is reportedly under the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, a jurisdiction that includes Miami, a central hub for the Cuban exile community.
According to the source, this office will spearhead the prosecutorial efforts related to Cuba. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as the plan remains internal and has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Potential Legal Precedents
The report hints that any eventual legal action against Cuban officials might follow, at least partially, the approach Washington used against Nicolás Maduro's government in Venezuela. The Department of Justice formally charged Maduro in 2020; however, he was not extradited at that time. In January 2026, the U.S. government launched an offensive against Venezuela, captured Maduro, and brought him to New York to face trial.
Cuba as Trump's Next Target
President Trump stated that his administration is considering Cuba as the next government to potentially fall, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela earlier in January and the assassination of Iran's supreme leader on Saturday.
"It's only a matter of time" before the Cuban government collapses, Trump declared on Thursday to an audience at the White House, largely composed of Republicans from South Florida, many of whom are of Cuban descent. He also mentioned, "I just want to wait a couple of weeks."
Several former prosecutors from the Southern District of Florida told The Washington Post they were not surprised that this office is taking the lead on a Cuba-focused legal initiative.
The article notes that the federal prosecutor's office in Miami has a long history of handling high-profile cases linked to irregularities associated with the Cuban regime.
In 2024, this office secured the conviction of Víctor Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. diplomat who admitted to gathering intelligence for Cuba over more than four decades while holding sensitive positions in the State Department and the National Security Council.
Calls for Justice in Past Incidents
Last month, several Republican members of the Florida delegation urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to reopen the investigation into the 1996 shootdown of two unarmed civilian planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based Cuban exile organization.
Four people died in that attack. At the time, the group was flying over or monitoring nearby waters, searching for refugees attempting to escape to the United States.
In a letter dated February 13, lawmakers Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, Carlos A. Giménez, and Nicole Malliotakis argued that Raúl Castro, then head of the Cuban military, ordered the attack.
The congress members claimed that there are audio recordings of Raúl Castro discussing the incident and suggested that this evidence could help build a case.
"We unequivocally believe Raúl Castro is responsible for this heinous crime," the letter states. "It is time for him to face justice."
Key Insights into U.S.-Cuba Legal Actions
What is the main focus of the U.S. task force regarding Cuba?
The task force primarily investigates potential federal charges against Cuban officials or entities, focusing on immigration, economic issues, and other related crimes.
What role does the Southern District of Florida play in this initiative?
The Southern District of Florida, including Miami, is leading the prosecutorial efforts related to Cuba, leveraging its experience with cases involving the Cuban regime.
How does this initiative relate to previous actions against Venezuela?
The initiative might follow a similar legal strategy to that used by Washington against Nicolás Maduro's government in Venezuela, which involved formal charges and, eventually, extradition efforts.