Florida Issues State Arrest Warrant for Raúl Castro in 1996 Shootdown

Florida authorities issued a state-level arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro on October 19, 2026, charging him with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft[1]. The action could significantly restrict Castro's international travel options, particularly to countries with extradition agreements with the U.S., potentially impacting his access to healthcare outside Cuba[2][3][5].

This marks a novel jurisdictional pursuit of an international incident at the state level[1]. The warrant follows a federal indictment issued against Castro in May 2026 for the same incident[1].

What the Records Show

The warrant, signed by Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan of Florida's 11th Judicial Circuit Court on October 19, 2026, charges Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder[1]. The charges stem from the February 24, 1996, shootdown of two unarmed Cessna aircraft operated by the Cuban exile group "Brothers to the Rescue"[1]. Four men died in the incident, including three U.S. citizens and one legal permanent resident[1].

An affidavit supporting the warrant, provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), states that Castro was "a final decision-maker in the chain of command that authorized the shootdown"[1]. The affidavit claims Castro had given "senior military leaders standing orders: 'Fine, shoot them down at sea when they show up, and those who have the authority are not to consult anyone.'"[1]. Florida prosecutors assert jurisdiction based on the alleged activities of two Cuban agents who had infiltrated Brothers to the Rescue in Miami and Key West[1]. These agents allegedly transmitted flight information to Cuban authorities and conducted surveillance at Naval Air Station in Key West, which prosecutors argue establishes jurisdiction because "elements of the alleged conspiracy occurred within the state"[1].

The Timeline

On February 24, 1996, Cuban fighter jets shot down two civilian aircraft[1]. At the time, Raúl Castro served as Cuba's Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and First Vice President[1]. In May 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a federal indictment against Raúl Castro Ruz and five other individuals, including charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals and four counts of murder[1]. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a state-level criminal investigation into Castro's involvement in March 2026, directing the Office of Statewide Prosecution to reopen the case[1]. On October 16, 2026, a sworn statement establishing Florida's alleged jurisdiction was submitted to the court, leading to the state-level arrest warrant signed on October 19, 2026[1].

What Changed and For Whom

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that while immediate apprehension of Castro, who is 95 years old, is not expected, the warrant will restrict his ability to leave Cuba[3][4]. Uthmeier warned that if Castro travels to a country with an extradition agreement with the United States, he could be arrested and extradited[2][5]. This could particularly affect Castro's ability to seek medical treatment abroad[2][3].

What the Subject Has Said Publicly

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has strongly condemned the Florida warrant[4]. In messages posted on social media on October 19, 2026, Díaz-Canel called the action a "deplorable" and "reprehensible action"[9][7]. He characterized it as a "pathetic Miami circus with an electoral backdrop" that lacks any legal or practical basis[6][8][10][11]. Díaz-Canel emphasized that the Cuban people would defend the Revolution against any affront to Castro[6][7].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm if Raúl Castro has any immediate plans to travel internationally. We could also not confirm if there are any specific medical conditions that might necessitate travel outside Cuba for treatment.