Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar delivered a powerful response this Wednesday to the federal criminal charges filed against Raul Castro, asserting that the former Cuban dictator "thought he would die without facing accountability for his crimes," but now "justice is finally knocking at his door."
Her statement, shared on her X account, followed Interim Attorney General Todd Blanche's announcement at Miami's Freedom Tower. The charges against Castro stem from the February 24, 1996, downing of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban Americans.
"I commend the Trump Administration for finally confronting this blood-stained dictator," Salazar wrote.
Representing Florida's 27th District, Salazar emphasized that Castro "operated with absolute impunity just 90 miles from our shores while Washington chose silence and complacency."
A Brutal Act of Cowardice
Salazar did not mince words in describing the attack: "The murder of innocent American citizens and members of Brothers to the Rescue was no accident. It was a brutal and cowardly act against men risking their lives to save Cubans fleeing tyranny across the Florida Strait."
The Winds of Change in Cuba
On the same day, during a Capitol Hill press conference alongside Congress members Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and Nicole Malliotakis, Salazar declared, "Today marks the beginning of the end for the Castro family." She directed a stark warning at Cuba's leadership: "Understand clearly, your days are numbered. A federal indictment is no small matter."
As an explicit warning, Salazar referenced Nicolás Maduro's capture in Caracas on January 3, 2026, by U.S. forces, who is now imprisoned in New York: "Maduro thought President Trump wasn't serious. Look where Maduro is today."
A Call for Change
Salazar also presented an option for the Castros: "You have the choice not to end up like Maduro. You can leave now and hand the island over to opposition forces, to freedom."
The charges against Raul Castro include conspiracy to murder American citizens, two counts of aircraft destruction, and four counts of homicide for the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario Manuel de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
If convicted, the 94-year-old former leader — who will turn 95 on June 3 — could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Alongside Castro, five Cuban military officials were indicted, including Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, the pilot who launched the missiles, and Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, already in U.S. custody since November 2025 for immigration fraud.
On the same day, the White House released an image titled "Enemies of America — Neutralized by President Donald J. Trump," featuring Raul Castro labeled as "INDICTED," alongside Maduro, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and the ISIS leader in Africa.
Salazar concluded her message on X with a statement echoing the sentiments of the Cuban-American community: "Under President Trump, the era of appeasing tyrants is over. Cuba will be free."
Understanding the Charges Against Raul Castro
What are the charges against Raul Castro?
Raul Castro faces charges of conspiracy to murder American citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of homicide related to the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario Manuel de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
What could be the potential consequences for Raul Castro if found guilty?
If convicted, Raul Castro, who is 94 years old, could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Who were the other individuals indicted alongside Raul Castro?
Five Cuban military officials were also indicted, including Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, the pilot who fired the missiles, and Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez, already in U.S. custody for immigration fraud.