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Rubio's Family Ties: Drug Trafficking Past Exposed

12/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Marco Rubio, then-majority whip of the Florida House, recommended his brother-in-law Orlando Cicilia for a real estate license in 2002.
Rubio claimed he was unaware of Cicilia's criminal activities at the time.
Cicilia later served nearly 12 years for drug trafficking and was involved in a major cocaine operation in the 1980s.
The case highlights how past drug offenses affect immigrants and contrasts with recent deportations under the Trump administration.

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Story summary

Marco Rubio, then-majority whip of the Florida House, recommended his brother-in-law Orlando Cicilia for a real estate license in 2002.
Rubio claimed he was unaware of Cicilia's criminal activities at the time.
Cicilia later served nearly 12 years for drug trafficking and was involved in a major cocaine operation in the 1980s.
The case highlights how past drug offenses affect immigrants and contrasts with recent deportations under the Trump administration.