05/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/21/2026 16:17
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rob Menendez responded to the indictment of Cuban dictator Raúl Castro for his role in the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes with the following statement:
"As a Cuban American, I know the immense suffering that the Castro regime has inflicted on the Cuban people over 67 years of brutal repression and authoritarian rule.
"The indictment of Raúl Castro - on Cuban Liberation Day - provides long overdue justice for the families of the four Americans killed on the Castro regime's orders in 1996.
"At the same time, I have concerns about what the Trump Administration may do next and I do not believe that these charges should be used to justify an attempt at regime change by the Trump Administration akin to what we saw happen in Venezuela.
"I want to see the people of Cuba finally have their freedom, to see all political prisoners released, and for the regime's oppressive grip to be lifted after generations of suffering. Real democratic reforms for Cuba must be enacted by the Cuban people, not by another illegal war."