Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Florida’s 27th district, made several statements on May 20, 2026 regarding developments involving Cuba and the indictment of Raúl Castro. In her initial post, Salazar addressed concerns about the longstanding influence of the Cuban government near U.S. territory, writing on X: “For more than six decades, the Cuban regime has served as a launching pad for America’s enemies and a hub for repression, espionage, and anti-American influence just 90 miles from our shores.
President Trump understands the threat the Castro mafia poses to U.S. national” (May 20, 2026).
Later that day, Salazar commented on recent legal action taken against Raúl Castro by federal authorities. She stated: “A historic day alongside @SenRickScott @RepDonaldsPress and @RepCarlos.
Raúl Castro has been indicted.
She also reiterated her remarks in Spanish: “Un día histórico junto al @SenRickScott @RepDonaldsPress y @RepCarlos
The comments come after decades of strained relations between Cuba and the United States since Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 and subsequent policies implemented by his brother Raúl Castro. The U.S., which maintains an embargo against Cuba first enacted in 1962 and later strengthened through various legislative actions such as the Helms-Burton Act of 1996 (source: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/us-cuba-relations), has long criticized human rights abuses and authoritarian governance by Cuban leaders.
Recent years have seen increased attention from members of Congress—including Rep. Salazar—on issues relating to democracy promotion in Cuba and calls for justice regarding alleged crimes committed under both Fidel and Raúl Castro’s rule.