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The future of Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera, a former Cuban official and close friend of Raúl Guillermo “El Cangrejo” Rodríguez Castro, grandson and head of the guard of Raúl Castro, will be in the hands of an immigration court on October 2, 2025 in Las Vegas.
Rodríguez Cabrera remains detained at the Southern Nevada Detention Center, under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while his judicial process progresses. The hearing will be crucial in determining whether he can stay in the United States or if he will be deported to Cuba, as revealed by Martí Noticias.
According to the judicial records consulted by this media outlet, the case remains open and has not yet been referred to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). This means that the court in October will have the final say on their legal status in the country.
Rodríguez Cabrera crossed the southern border of the United States in 2022 along with his wife and two children to seek political asylum.
At first, he worked in modest jobs, but in 2024 he founded the company Gran Azul LLC in Las Vegas, dedicated to logistics services, door-to-door shipping to the island, car sales, food, and even tourist packages.
The business grew rapidly in several cities in the U.S. and raised suspicions within the Cuban exile community, as they believed it could ultimately benefit the very regime they claimed to have left behind.
The mother of his children and the minors managed to obtain permanent residency in the United States, but Rodríguez Cabrera never attained that legal status. He continued to lead his company until he was arrested by ICE in July 2025.
The process has sparked great interest because Rodríguez Cabrera is not just an ordinary migrant. In Cuba, he worked in the diplomatic mail of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) and his close relationship with “El Cangrejo” connected him to the inner circle of the Castro elite.
Their situation is similar to that of other former officials of the regime who have sought refuge in the United States despite having held privileged positions within the system, such as former judge Melody González Pedraza or former officer Jorge Luis “Veguita” Vega García.
These cases have sparked intense debate within the exile community regarding the presence in the country of former officials linked to human rights violations.
Frequently asked questions about the detention of Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera by ICE in the U.S.
Who is Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera and why is his arrest significant?
Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera is a former Cuban official and close friend of Raúl Guillermo “El Cangrejo” Rodríguez Castro, grandson of Raúl Castro. His detention is significant because, despite his ties to the Cuban political elite, he crossed into the U.S. in 2022 seeking political asylum. He then founded a company in Las Vegas, raising suspicions about his potential benefits to the Cuban regime. His case has sparked debate within the exiled community due to his connection to the regime he claims to have left behind.
What is the current legal status of Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera in the United States?
Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera is being held at the Southern Nevada Detention Center under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His legal status will be decided at an immigration hearing on October 2, 2025, in Las Vegas. This hearing will determine whether he can remain in the United States or if he will be deported to Cuba.
Why is the Cuban community in exile concerned about the Rodríguez Cabrera case?
The Cuban community in exile is worried about Rodríguez Cabrera's connections to the Castro elite and the rapid growth of his business in the U.S., raising suspicions about his possible cooperation with the Cuban regime. His case adds to a growing debate regarding former regime officials seeking refuge in the U.S., generating outrage among exiles who have suffered under the Cuban regime.
What implications would his/her deportation to Cuba have?
If Jorge Javier Rodríguez Cabrera is deported to Cuba, he could face reprisals due to his asylum attempt in the U.S. and his statements opposing the regime. However, his strong ties to the Cuban elite might provide him with a certain degree of protection. The fear of his mother that he may be deported reflects the uncertainty and risk faced by Cubans who have challenged the regime by seeking asylum in the U.S.
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