DOJ pushing to indict Raúl Castro over 1996 downing of civilian planes, officials say

Justice DepartmentDOJ pushing to indict Raúl Castro over 1996 downing of civilian planes, officials sayThe law enforcement effort against Castro comes as President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the Cuban government’s ability to maintain power.  Raúl Castro in Havana on May 1.Yamil Lage / AFP via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 15, 2026, 11:17 AM EDTBy Ryan J. Reilly and Gabe GutierrezThe Justice Department is pushing to indict 94-year-old Raúl Castro, the former president of Cuba, according to two U.S. official familiar with the matter. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.One of the officials says the criminal action is over two civilian planes on a volunteer mission that were downed by Cuba in 1996. Four Cuban Americans were killed. The law enforcement effort against Castro, the brother of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, comes as President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the Cuban government’s ability to maintain its grip on the island despite months of sustained U.S. pressure, NBC News has reported.NBC News reached out to Cuba’s foreign ministry in Havana and the island’s embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment and did not immediately hear back.Protests have erupted on the island amid fuel shortages and blackouts as U.S. sanctions choke off critical supplies and a surprise military operation ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, neutering a critical ally. Still, the Cuban regime has shown little sign of ceding power or offering major concessions as Washington demands. President Donald Trump, on Air Force One back from a China trip Friday, said the Castro investigation was a question for the Justice Department.“You talk about a declining country, they are really a nation or a country in decline,” Trump said. “So we’re going to see.”Trump administration leaders have stepped up their efforts in recent weeks. CIA Director John Ratcl...