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Former Cuban Spy Ambassador Faces Denaturalization, DOJ Action

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prosecutors filed a denaturalization complaint against former ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha, who is serving a 15-year sentence.
Justice Department says Rocha obtained citizenship in 1978 by lying about his criminal record and Communist Party ties, and he pleaded guilty in 2024 to defrauding government while acting as a Cuban intelligence agent.
The filing follows a DOJ directive under President Donald Trump to prioritize denaturalization of national-security threats, including 11 others.

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Story summary

Prosecutors filed a denaturalization complaint against former ambassador Victor Manuel Rocha, who is serving a 15-year sentence.
Justice Department says Rocha obtained citizenship in 1978 by lying about his criminal record and Communist Party ties, and he pleaded guilty in 2024 to defrauding government while acting as a Cuban intelligence agent.
The filing follows a DOJ directive under President Donald Trump to prioritize denaturalization of national-security threats, including 11 others.