Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that federal immigration authorities have arrested Adys Lastres Morera in Florida. According to Rubio, Lastres Morera is the sister of Ania Guillermina Lastres, a Cuban official associated with the military-controlled business conglomerate GAESA.
Rubio said Lastres Morera is being held by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while deportation proceedings move forward. According to the State Department and ICE, she entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident in January 2023.
The secretary of state stated that he revoked Lastres Morera’s permanent resident status after determining that her continued presence in the United States could have adverse foreign policy consequences under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Rubio alleged that she maintained ties to Cuba’s government and to GAESA, an organization that has been sanctioned by the United States.
In a public statement, Rubio said the administration intends to take action against foreign nationals it believes have connections to governments or organizations that threaten U.S. national security interests. He argued that individuals linked to sanctioned entities should not be permitted to benefit from residency in the United States while allegedly supporting those organizations abroad.
ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations said Rubio had determined that Lastres Morera is removable under a provision of U.S. immigration law allowing deportation when the Secretary of State concludes that a noncitizen’s presence may have serious adverse foreign policy consequences. Officials said the agency will continue investigating individuals with alleged ties to foreign adversaries.
According to U.S. officials, GAESA controls large portions of Cuba’s economy, including sectors such as tourism, financial services, and remittances. The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on the conglomerate, alleging that it generates revenue that benefits the Cuban government and military. Cuban authorities have rejected U.S. sanctions and criticism of the country’s economic and political system.
The case remains subject to immigration proceedings, during which Lastres Morera may contest the government’s allegations and seek available legal remedies under U.S. law.
