Immigration attorney Willy Allen has issued a warning to Secretary of State Marco Rubio: he must present evidence before a judge to justify the deportation of Adys Lastres Morera, the sister of the executive president of GAESA, who was detained in Miami last Wednesday. Allen emphasized that mere familial ties are insufficient grounds for deportation.
In an interview with Tania Costa, Allen expressed, "Simply being the sister of a general, without additional evidence, should not lead to your detention and deportation."
Legal Rights and Burden of Proof
The lawyer highlighted that Lastres Morera has every right to defend herself in an immigration court, and the burden of proof lies with the government. "You do not have to prove your innocence; the government must prove your guilt. That's the beauty of living in a democratic country," Allen stated.
Addressing Rubio's public claims that Lastres Morera supported the communist regime in Havana, Allen insisted that tangible evidence must be presented to substantiate these accusations.
Connections and Business Activities
Allen pointed out that owning two businesses in Florida—linked by public records to Sta Elena Investments LLC and Remas Investments LLC—or managing properties in Havana does not automatically indicate ties to the regime. "Owning two companies in the United States, one of which is in real estate, is not a crime," he noted.
He also rejected the notion of deporting individuals solely based on family connections. "I am not prepared to expel everyone just because they are related or friends. We can't say, 'Well, you’re a sibling, so leave,'" Allen argued.
Stance on Regime Supporters
However, Allen clarified that his stance does not mean he tolerates regime enforcers residing in the United States. "I despise the idea of those who ruined my country retiring in the U.S., receiving pensions, and using our resources while they wrecked Cuba," he said, noting his role in launching the "Identify the Repressors" program nearly eight years ago.
Rubio revoked Adys Lastres Morera's permanent residency on May 20 under section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This rarely used legal provision allows the Secretary of State to initiate deportation proceedings when a foreign national's presence is deemed to have serious consequences for foreign policy.
Adys Lastres Morera entered the United States on January 13, 2023, as a permanent resident through a petition by her American citizen son. Her sister, Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, leads GAESA, a military conglomerate that controls between 40% and 70% of the Cuban economy and manages up to $20 billion in assets, according to U.S. authorities.
"If the Secretary of State is correct, then let her go. But if he is not, let's leave her in peace," Allen concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adys Lastres Morera's Case
What evidence does Marco Rubio need to provide?
Rubio must demonstrate that Adys Lastres Morera actively cooperated with the Cuban regime, as familial ties alone are not sufficient for deportation.
What are the implications of section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act?
This section allows the Secretary of State to deport a foreign national if their presence is considered to have serious implications for U.S. foreign policy.
How does Allen view the presence of regime enforcers in the U.S.?
Allen opposes the idea of regime supporters living comfortably in the U.S., benefiting from resources while having harmed Cuba.