Federal Officials Announce Immigration Enforcement Action Involving Cuban National

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that federal authorities recently arrested Adys Lastres Morera in Florida as part of an immigration enforcement action connected to U.S. national security and foreign policy concerns.

According to federal officials, Lastres Morera entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident in January 2023. Authorities stated that her immigration status was later revoked following a review involving alleged ties to entities connected to the Cuban government and the military-controlled business conglomerate known as GAESA.

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Rubio said the administration is taking a stricter approach toward individuals believed to have connections to foreign governments or organizations viewed as adversarial to U.S. interests. In public statements, he emphasized that the administration intends to pursue enforcement actions against individuals it believes may pose national security or foreign policy concerns.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Lastres Morera is currently in custody pending immigration proceedings. Officials stated that the action was taken under provisions of U.S. immigration law related to foreign policy and national security determinations.

Federal investigators also alleged that Lastres Morera had connections to activities involving Cuban state-linked business operations. U.S. officials have long scrutinized GAESA, which is associated with large sectors of Cuba’s economy, including tourism and financial operations. Cuban government officials have not publicly responded to the latest statements from U.S. authorities.

The case comes amid broader efforts by the administration of Donald Trump to increase pressure on Cuba and other foreign governments viewed as hostile to U.S. interests. Immigration enforcement, sanctions, and financial restrictions have remained central parts of the administration’s foreign policy strategy in the region.