Full Breakdown
Florida Issues No-Bond Arrest Warrant for Former Cuban Leader Raúl Castro
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A Miami-Dade County judge signed a state arrest warrant charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, 95, with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder for his alleged role in the February 24, 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft. The warrant, issued without bond, directs law-enforcement to arrest Castro immediately if he enters Florida and authorizes pursuit of his extradition from any other U.S. jurisdiction.
Background & Context
Brothers to the Rescue was a Miami-based exile group that flew unarmed civilian planes to locate Cuban migrants and, by the mid-1990s, dropped pro-democracy leaflets over Cuba. On February 24, 1996 Cuban MiG jets shot down two Cessna aircraft in international waters, killing four occupants—Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario de la Peña, and Armando Alejandre Jr.
In May 2026 the U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal indictment against Castro and five alleged pilots, charging murder, destruction of aircraft, and conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals. The new state-level warrant opens a separate legal front in Florida.
Data & Statistics
- Shootdown date: February 24, 1996
- Victims: Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario de la Peña, Armando Alejandre Jr.
- State charge: Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder (no bond)
- Warrant signed: October 19, 2026 (CBS Miami)
Official Statements & Responses
- Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan signed the warrant after finding probable cause of Castro’s conspiracy.
- Attorney General James Uthmeier said the Office of Statewide Prosecution will assume jurisdiction and announced a news conference at Florida International University to detail the warrant and extradition plans.
- Governor Ron DeSantis will appear with Uthmeier at the press conference, emphasizing the state’s “justice” for the victims’ families.
- U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “The United States and President Trump does not, and will not, forget its citizens.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Cuban government argues Brothers to the Rescue repeatedly violated Cuban airspace and that the shootdown was a defensive act. Florida’s warrant alleges the conspiracy was directed through Cuba’s foreign intelligence service, naming Raúl and Fidel Castro as final decision-makers. No counter-evidence has been presented in available sources.
Verbatim Quote
- “They have violated the airspace, the waters of the Republic. I made it clear that this had to be decentralized… five generals were given the authority. I used to say: Try to shoot them down over our territory. But they would come into Havana and leave,” — Raúl Castro, legal resident
What’s Next
Florida officials say the warrant authorizes pursuit of Castro’s extradition if he is detained in any U.S. jurisdiction. The upcoming press conference at Florida International University will outline procedural steps and coordination with federal authorities.