Rubio Welcomes Sanctions Designation of Raúl Castro and His Immediate Family

Statement

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) issued the following statement after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the State Department designated former Cuban dictator and current First Secretary of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Raúl Castro for "his involvement in corruption and gross violation of human rights" against Cuban nationals. Today's measure also includes public designations against Castro's immediate family members, including his children, Alejandro Castro Espín, Deborah Castro Espín, Mariela Castro Espín, and Nilsa Castro Espín. Pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, these sanctions for significant corruption or gross violations of human rights make designated foreign government officials and their immediate family members ineligible for entry into the United States.

Fidel and Raúl Castro were directly responsible for the murder of three American citizens and a U.S. legal resident who were leading a humanitarian mission to save Cuban lives through the organization Brothers to the Rescue.

"Entrance to the United States is a privilege that should be denied to any murderous dictator. Raúl Castro's involvement in grotesque human rights violations and his complicity with terrorist organizations including the ELN, the FARC, and his link to the Maduro regime evidence the threat he poses to the United States. I welcome the Administration's decision to revoke the admission of Castro and his immediate family members."

Rubio is the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues. He is also a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.

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