Florida AG Secures Arrest Warrant for Raúl Castro in 1996 Brothers to the Rescue Shootdown

Clear Facts

• Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier obtained an arrest warrant for former Cuban President Raúl Castro over his alleged involvement in the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown.
• The incident resulted in the deaths of four American citizens when Cuban MiGs shot down two civilian aircraft.
• The warrant represents Florida’s continued pursuit of accountability for the attack on U.S. citizens.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier secured the warrant targeting the former Cuban leader for his role in the deadly 1996 incident. The move underscores the state’s commitment to pursuing justice for American victims of foreign aggression.

The Brothers to the Rescue organization conducted humanitarian flights over the Florida Straits to locate and aid Cuban refugees fleeing the communist regime. On February 24, 1996, Cuban MiG fighters intercepted and destroyed two of the organization’s unarmed civilian planes.

“We will not allow the memory of these American citizens to fade or their killers to escape justice,” stated Attorney General Uthmeier.

The shootdown killed pilots Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. All four were American citizens who had been engaged in peaceful search-and-rescue operations when they were targeted.

“This warrant sends a clear message that Florida stands with the families of the victims and will continue to seek accountability,” Uthmeier added.

30 years ago, the Castro regime conspired to shoot down two Brothers to the Rescue planes, murdering Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña and Pablo Morales.

Today, we secured a Florida arrest warrant for Raúl Castro for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. pic.twitter.com/9GZgNLcSWT

— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) October 19, 2026

The action comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and the Cuban communist government. Florida officials maintain that the Castro regime’s actions against American citizens demand continued legal consequences.

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