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The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested in Florida the brother of the former Cuban judge Melody González Pedraza, who a year ago requested political asylum in the country, after being directly linked to the repressive apparatus in Cuba for years.
The individual, identified as Ruber González Pedraza, was arrested this week and remains in custody at the Krome detention center, awaiting his deportation.
According to the information released by journalist Mario J. Pentón on the Facebook account of Martí Noticias, the brother of the former magistrate had entered the United States in 2024 through the humanitarian parole program, which she utilized as well.
An immigration judge had already granted him the option of voluntary departure, but the deportation order remained active and he was eventually apprehended by authorities.
Pentón specified that González Pedraza himself voluntarily accepted the deportation, a decision that is recorded in the immigration court's automated system, indicating that he could be returned to the Island on one of the scheduled flights for this month.
A profile linked to the Cuban government
Before emigrating, Ruber González developed a background connected to the propaganda apparatus of the Cuban regime.
He graduated in 2011 from the University of Informatics Sciences (UCI), an institution known for using students in operations to manipulate social media in favor of the dictatorship.
According to neighbors, he later worked in the banking sector.
In parallel, he maintained a public activity as a contributor to the state-controlled media, with opinion articles in outlets like Cubadebate.
One of them, published in September 2010, showed him defending the five Cuban spies convicted in the United States, supporting their cause and criticizing the international press for its silence on the issue.
In addition, he used a Facebook profile under the name Azacel, from which he shared messages aligned with the regime's narrative. That digital footprint was erased shortly before he emigrated to the United States.
The case of the former judge and her family background
The arrest of Ruber adds to the complex situation of his sister, the former judge Melody González Pedraza, who remains detained in Louisiana.
Her political asylum request was denied in May 2025 and she is facing an official deportation order. She personally sent a letter to U.S. authorities requesting to expedite her return to Cuba following the rejection of her petition.
Melody arrived in the United States in May 2024 also under humanitarian parole. Shortly before, she had sentenced four young people in Villa Clara to three and four years in prison, despite later admitting that she lacked sufficient evidence.
These convictions were highlighted by human rights organizations as an example of judicial repression under the directives of State Security.
The husband of the former judge, William Hernández Carrasana, has already been deported and is now in Cuba.
With Ruber's arrest, three members of the family who attempted to settle in the United States through parole are facing expulsion proceedings almost simultaneously.
Possible return to the Island
In the case of Ruber González, the path seems clearer: by accepting his deportation, his return to Cuba could be imminent.
Journalist Pentón recalled that a deportation flight to the Island is already scheduled for the end of this month, although it is still not confirmed whether he will be traveling in that group.
Melody's situation, on the other hand, remains in limbo, awaiting the outcome of the appeal or the execution of the deportation order.
His future in Cuba, according to specialists consulted by independent media, could range from a new phase of collaboration with the regime to a legal process against him, including scenarios of social isolation and constant surveillance.
Meanwhile, the case of the González Pedraza brothers continues to attract attention in the independent press and among the Cuban exile community, both due to their ties to the repressive apparatus on the island and the paradox of having sought the protection of a democratic country after serving the system that persecuted other Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Ruber González Pedraza and Former Judge Melody González
Why was Ruber González Pedraza detained?
Ruber González Pedraza was detained by ICE due to an active deportation order against him. He had entered the United States in 2024 through the humanitarian parole program but voluntarily accepted deportation. Before emigrating, Ruber was linked to the propaganda apparatus of the Cuban regime.
What is the current situation of former judge Melody González in the United States?
Melody González Pedraza is facing a deportation order in the United States. Her political asylum application was denied due to her past as a judge in Cuba, where she was accused of issuing sentences without due process under pressure from the regime. She is currently detained and has the option to appeal the decision.
What could happen if Ruber González returns to Cuba?
If Ruber González returns to Cuba, he may face reprisals due to his past connections with the regime. However, given his history of collaboration with the Cuban government, the nature of the reception he would receive is uncertain and could range from renewed collaboration with the regime to social isolation.
What impact does the case of former judge Melody González have on the Cuban community in exile?
The case of Melody González has generated controversy and mixed reactions within the Cuban exile community. Some view her deportation as an act of justice for the victims of repression in Cuba, while others believe she might deserve a second chance if she demonstrates a genuine change in her ideological stance.
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