The United States government has announced its intention to continue scrutinizing individuals connected with the Cuban regime after the arrest of Adys Lastres Morera in Miami. She is the sister of the CEO of Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), a military conglomerate that controls approximately 70% of Cuba's economy.
The arrest took place on Thursday, May 21, just one day after the State Department deemed Adys Lastres Morera deportable under Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This decision was based on her being a threat to U.S. foreign policy interests, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
John Condon, Acting Executive Associate Director of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Division, emphasized the reasons for her detention: "GAESA, under the control of the Cuban military and a pillar of the country's communist kleptocracy, manages illicit assets worth up to $20 billion."
Condon further warned that allowing Lastres Morera to remain in the U.S. would have sent the wrong message: "Networks linked to the Cuban regime could continue to infiltrate American financial, educational, and social institutions, which is not acceptable."
The official outlined future actions: "HSI will persist in investigating those connected to our nation's adversaries and will take necessary steps to neutralize threats to our homeland."
Adys Lastres Morera entered the U.S. on January 13, 2023, during the Biden administration, at the request of her son, Ernesto Carvajal Lastres, an American citizen.
Since her arrival, she has been listed as a manager or registered agent in real estate firms in Florida, including REMAS Investments LLC and Santa Elena Investments LLC, based in Boca Raton.
The U.S. government found no record of her applying for citizenship by naturalization or obtaining a U.S. passport.
Her sister, Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, leads GAESA and is responsible for managing the conglomerate's illicit assets internationally.
Authorities have noted that the organization's revenues exceed the Cuban government's budget by more than threefold and primarily benefit the regime's elite, while ordinary Cubans remain mired in crisis.
This arrest is part of a coordinated Trump-Rubio administration campaign against the regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against GAESA on May 7, including Ania Guillermina Lastres, under Executive Order 14404 signed by President Trump on May 1.
The order expands the sanctions regime, extends the risk of secondary sanctions to foreign actors, and even targets adult family members of already designated individuals.
The U.S. set a June 5 deadline for foreign companies to sever ties with GAESA, threatening secondary sanctions for non-compliance.
Adys Lastres Morera was arrested a day after the Department of Justice released an indictment against Raul Castro and five former Cuban officials for the February 24, 1996, downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
Adys Lastres Morera remains in ICE custody awaiting deportation proceedings, as the Trump-Rubio administration continues its so-called maximum pressure strategy against the Havana regime.
Understanding U.S. Actions Against Cuban Regime Connections
Why was Adys Lastres Morera deemed deportable?
Adys Lastres Morera was deemed deportable because she was considered a threat to U.S. foreign policy interests, according to the State Department.
What is GAESA's role in the Cuban economy?
GAESA, controlled by the Cuban military, is a major conglomerate that oversees approximately 70% of Cuba's economic activities, managing assets worth up to $20 billion.
What are the consequences for foreign companies tied to GAESA?
Foreign companies linked to GAESA face a June 5 deadline to end their connections or risk secondary sanctions from the U.S., as part of the expanded sanctions regime.