‘Time does not erase murder.’ Miami leaders react to Raul Castro’s indictment
Former Cuban president Raul Castro was indicted Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Justice for his role in the 1996 shoot-down of civilian rescue planes.
Here’s what South Florida leaders are saying about the news:
U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Miami: “For far too long, previous administrations turned a blind eye to justice for the three American citizens and one lawful permanent resident who were brutally and unjustifiably murdered under the direct orders of Raúl Castro.”
Florida International University President Jeanette Nuñez: “At FIU, this hits close to home, as we have longstanding relationships with the families of the four men killed...”
Miami City Commissioner Rolando Escalona: The commissioner, who was born in Cuba and whose district includes Little Havana, said that the indictment “is a powerful and historic step toward accountability and justice.” “For too long, the Cuban regime believed it could murder innocent men and commit acts of repression without consequences. ... This indictment sends a clear message that those responsible for these crimes will continue to be confronted with the truth and held accountable for their actions.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: The mayor considers the indictment a “long-overdue step toward accountability.”
Miami-Dade Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis: “Today, every communist regime thug, dictator, and oppressor around the world should understand something clearly: time does not erase murder, and the United States will not forget its victims,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Miami: Lamented the lives lost in the 1996 incident and considered it crime by the Castro regime “against innocent Americans flying humanitarian missions.” “Justice has been delayed for decades, but the Cuban dictatorship must finally answer for its crimes. The brutal shoot-down of the Brothers to the Rescue planes was not an accident or a misunderstanding — it was a cold-blooded act of murder carried out by the Castro regime against innocent Americans flying humanitarian missions.” Miami-Dade County Chairman Anthony Rodriguez: “Today is an emotional day for the Cuban exile community, for the families who have waited nearly three decades for justice, and for every person who still carries the pain of what happened on February 24, 1996.”
Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez: “Today, justice sends a powerful message to Raúl Castro Ruz and every individual connected to the murderous communist and socialist Cuban dictatorship who believes they can violate the laws of the United States of America without consequences.”
U.S. Senator Ashley Moody: “Our Cuban community knows you can never be complacent when it comes to defending freedom.”
U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman: “Raúl Castro is 94, and he has spent a majority of those years committing innumerable crimes against the people of Cuba. I’ve talked with many Cuban Floridians, and what the Cuban people want is clear: regime change, freedom, and a fresh start. My family fled communism when I was 4 years old. I hope Raúl Castro rots in jail.
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 3:16 PM.
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