ICE Arrests Sister of Cuban Communist Official in U.S.

Lastres Morera, sister of Ania Guillermina Lastres—who leads GAESA, the military-controlled conglomerate that dominates Cuba’s economy—was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rubio terminated her green card status after determining she was deportable under U.S. immigration law. She had obtained lawful permanent resident status in January 2023 during the Biden administration.

Signal to Regime-Connected Networks

In announcing the action, Rubio issued a forceful statement addressing what he characterized as years of lax enforcement. “For far too long, the family members of terrorist organizations, repressive anti-American regimes, and other bad actors who would threaten the national security of the United States have been given a free pass to enjoy the privileges of living in the United States.”

The Secretary of State emphasized that the Trump administration would reverse this pattern, declaring that individuals connected to security threats would find no sanctuary in America. He specifically referenced Iranian terrorists and Cuban military elites who have leveraged U.S. residency to maintain lavish lifestyles funded by regime assets.

Real Estate Operations and Regime Support

Lastres Morera had been managing real estate assets across Florida while simultaneously aiding Havana’s communist government, according to investigative reporting Rubio highlighted on social media. ICE Homeland Security Investigations determined her continued presence posed foreign policy risks and violated immigration law under section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

John Condon, ICE’s acting Executive Associate Director, stated that permitting her to remain would signal tolerance for regime-affiliated networks accessing American financial, educational, and social institutions. He pledged continued investigations into individuals with adversarial ties.

GAESA: The Economic Engine of Repression

GAESA controls approximately 70 percent of Cuba’s economy and is believed to hold roughly $20 billion in illicit funds across overseas accounts. Through numerous subsidiaries, the conglomerate manages Cuba’s tourism sector, oversees remittance operations, and runs the controversial “slave doctor” program—all critical revenue sources for the dictatorship.

Rubio sanctioned GAESA and its president earlier this month, labeling the organization the “heart of Cuba’s kleptocratic communist system.” The conglomerate’s reach extends to banking, ports, retail operations, and foreign trade control.

In a Spanish-language address marking Cuba’s independence anniversary, Rubio explained how GAESA extracts wealth from ordinary Cubans, including retaining portions of remittances families send from the United States while allowing none of corporate profits to reach the Cuban people.

Previous Reporting

Martí Noticias had published an extensive investigation in March revealing Lastres Morera’s Florida presence. The outlet reported her arrival in January 2023 and documented her involvement with real estate entities operating in the state, including companies identified through Florida corporate records where she served as a registered manager.

With information from Breitbart News