U.S. Secretary of State Announces Arrest of Cuban Official’s Sister
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared news about the arrest of Addis Lastres-Morera, sister of Ania Guillermina Lastres, who leads the Cuban regime’s GAESA conglomerate, recently sanctioned by the U.S.
Lastres-Morera was taken into custody in Florida and will remain under the supervision of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as deportation proceedings unfold. Rubio determined that her deportation was warranted under U.S. law, as she had entered the country legally as a permanent resident on January 13, 2023, during the previous administration. Her green card has now been suspended.
In his statement, Rubio emphasized the long-standing issue of individuals linked to terrorist and repressive regimes being allowed to live freely in the U.S. He mentioned the past administrations that permitted such families to enjoy privileged lives funded by illicit resources, while their home countries faced dire suffering.
“We will no longer allow this. Under our current leadership, we are actively expelling terrorists and their associates from our country,” Rubio stated. “If you pose a threat to U.S. national security, there will be no safe haven for you.”
Rubio noted on social media that Lastres-Morera managed real estate assets and was supportive of the Cuban government while residing in Florida. ICE argues that her presence in the U.S. posed risks to American foreign policy interests and that she could be removed under specific provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
John Condon, acting executive associate director at HSI, reiterated that allowing Lastres-Morera to remain would signal acceptance of networks connected to the Cuban regime exploiting U.S. institutions, which they are committed to preventing.
Addis Lastres-Morera’s sister, Ania Guillermina Lastres, oversees GAESA, a conglomerate believed to control around 70% of Cuba’s economy. It is suspected to possess significant illegal funds abroad, and through its various arms, GAESA oversees vital sectors such as tourism and remittances that fuel the Cuban government’s operations.
Rubio remarked, “To those involved with GAESA and the Cuban Communist system, we have a clear message: the time for leniency has ended. Return what has been taken from the Cuban people and make the necessary reforms.”
Recent investigations revealed that Lastres-Morera had links to several luxury rental properties in Cuba prior to moving to the U.S. She was reportedly involved in managing a real estate company operating in Florida.
Just days before her arrest, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against Raúl Castro for involvement in the 1996 killings of four Cuban-American individuals, signaling heightened scrutiny on Cuban leadership.
