U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, issued a statement on May 20 following the announcement of the indictment of Raúl Castro.
The statement addresses the significance of seeking justice for three American citizens and one lawful permanent resident who were killed under orders attributed to Raúl Castro. The issue has drawn attention due to longstanding calls for accountability in these deaths.
“For far too long, previous administrations turned a blind eye to justice for the three American citizens and one lawful permanent resident who were brutally and unjustifiably murdered under the direct orders of Raúl Castro. Those four innocent men, flying defenseless in their Cessnas, never stood a chance when Castro ordered MiG fighter jets to ambush and kill them without warning. This was a deliberate act of murder, and Raúl Castro must finally be held accountable for this crime. Today marks the beginning of that long‑denied path toward justice, made possible by the decisive actions of President Trump and the resolve of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quińones,” Díaz-Balart said.
Díaz-Balart has served in Congress representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003 after previously serving in both chambers of Florida’s state legislature; he is currently based in Miami according to Wikipedia.
Looking ahead, Díaz-Balart’s comments highlight ongoing efforts by current officials to address unresolved cases involving Americans abroad.
