MIAMI, FL – Today, U.S. Representatives Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging his administration to pursue accountability for the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown by considering the indictment of Raúl Castro for his role in the cold-blooded murder of four individuals aboard two unarmed civilian aircraft.

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez said, “For nearly three decades, the Castro regime has evaded justice for the cold-blooded murder of Americans in the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, shot out of the sky while carrying out a humanitarian mission. The evidence is overwhelming, the chain of command is clear, and responsibility leads directly to Raúl Castro. America First means defending our citizens, confronting tyranny in our hemisphere, and ending decades of impunity. The time has come for the Department of Justice to act and hold Raúl Castro accountable for the murder of innocent Americans.”

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart said, “President Trump is a strong ally and a symbol of hope for the brave activists struggling for democracy, while also standing firm against the ruthless dictators that oppress them. Raul Castro has been at the center of the Cuban regime’s crimes for nearly seven decades. February 24 will mark thirty years since the heinous shootdown of two unarmed civilian aircraft in international waters by the Cuban military, under the command of then-Defense Minister Raul Castro. This resulted in the murders of four innocent humanitarians – three American citizens and one U.S. resident. 

"We commend President Trump for prioritizing U.S. national security in his foreign policy decisions. The anti-American, terrorist regime in Cuba has spread its malign influence throughout the globe with few consequences. The thugs who have oppressed, tortured, and killed must face justice – and accountability should start at the top."

Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salzar said, “For decades, Raúl Castro and the regime officials who ordered this vile attack have hidden behind the protection of a brutal dictatorship, escaping justice while the families of the victims were left to carry the pain alone. Now we have a real chance to correct this historic injustice," said Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. "We are calling on the Department of Justice to reopen the case, follow the evidence all the way to the top, and use every legal tool available, including international arrest notices, to hold those responsible for the murder of Americans accountable. This was a regime-sponsored military operation approved at the highest levels. The evidence is clear, the responsibility is undeniable, and the era of impunity must end.”

Read full letter HERE.

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