The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera on Monday, a former Cuban official with strong ties to the Castro elite, particularly with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (“El Cangrejo”), the grandson and personal bodyguard of Raúl Castro.
Rodríguez Cabrera, who also served at one point as an official linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), has been detained in the state of Nevada.
The record of his detention by ICE reveals that he has been taken to the Southern Nevada Detention Center.
According to internal sources at ICE -mentioned by journalist Mario J. Penton- Rodríguez Cabrera may have been placed under expedited deportation, which could mean a quick return to Cuba.
In addition to Pentón, the influencer Alexander Otaola has also quickly echoed the arrest.
From regime diplomat to asylum seeker
A few weeks ago, Martí Noticias published an investigation that revealed the close ties of Rodríguez Cabrera with the power elite on the island and his diplomatic past.
Rodríguez Cabrera crossed the southern border of the U.S. in 2022 and requested political asylum along with his two children and his then-wife, Isabean Rapetti.
Although he presented himself as just another migrant, his history revealed a close connection to the Castro leadership.
For years, the young man participated in diplomatic tours as part of the MINREX team and was photographed alongside the dictator's grandson, "El Cangrejo," during an official visit to the United States in 2015.
Researcher Luis Domínguez from the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba has detailed that Rodríguez worked in the diplomatic mail department of MINREX, and that his closeness to "El Cangrejo" opened doors for him both inside and outside the island.
In 2023, the channel America Tevé aired videos of Rodríguez Cabrera sailing on a yacht alongside "El Cangrejo" and his then-partners, living the high life.
A company under scrutiny
After seeking asylum, Rodríguez Cabrera settled in the city of Las Vegas, where he started working in small businesses and as a pool cleaner.
In November 2024, he founded Gran Azul LLC, a logistics company that offers door-to-door shipping, car sales, food services, and travel packages to Cuba.
Martí Noticias has revealed that official documents from the state of Nevada identify him as the manager of the company. Additionally, another name is associated: Marcel Blanco Fernández, who is listed as a "member."
Gran Azul's social media showcases an active presence in multiple U.S. cities, including Miami, Orlando, Houston, Phoenix, Fort Myers, and others.
Following his arrest by ICE on Monday, and having been placed in expedited removal proceedings, authorities could soon repatriate Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera to Cuba, unless he files a formal appeal or his defense argues credible fear of persecution. This appeal could become complicated due to his past and connections with the regime's diplomatic apparatus.
As of the closing of this report, no additional information about the case has been released.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera by ICE
Why was Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera arrested in the United States?
Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Nevada due to his asylum application and his connections with the Cuban political elite. His background as a former official of the Cuban regime and his close relationship with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as “El Cangrejo,” brought him under the scrutiny of U.S. authorities.
What does expedited deportation mean for Rodríguez Cabrera?
The expedited deportation means that Rodríguez Cabrera could be quickly repatriated to Cuba without a full immigration hearing, unless he can demonstrate a credible fear of persecution or file a formal appeal that delays the process.
What business activities did Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera have in the U.S.?
Rodríguez Cabrera founded Gran Azul LLC, a logistics company in Las Vegas specializing in door-to-door shipping, car sales, and travel packages to Cuba. Official documents identify him as the manager of this company, which has an active presence in various cities across the United States.
What impact does the Rodríguez Cabrera case have on the Cuban community in the U.S.?
The case highlights the tensions within the Cuban community in the U.S., where there is concern about the presence of individuals linked to the Cuban regime. Additionally, it reflects the Trump administration's approach to intensifying the deportation of people with ties to repressive governments, which generates unease among Cuban exiles.
Filed under: