Rubio Introduces Bill, Calls for Extradition of U.S. Fugitives Given Safe Harbor in Cuba

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced a bill to demand the extradition of American fugitives and terrorists receiving protection in Cuba. The prospective legislation – the Trooper Werner Foerster and Frank Connor Justice Act – addresses the 90+ fugitives that are being held by the Castro regime.

According to Sen. Rubio, convicted felons for crimes such as hijacking, kidnapping, drug offenses, and murder await judgment in the United States, but “the Biden-Harris Administration continues to embolden America’s enemies in our own hemisphere.”

Moreover, Sen. Rubio released a statement concerning his call for the immediate extradition of all fugitives in Cuba who committed crimes in America.

“For years, the illegitimate Castro/Diaz-Canel regime has provided safe haven to criminals who have committed vicious crimes against Americans,” said Rubio. “The U.S. cannot turn a blind eye on the reality that 90 miles away from its shores, the Cuban dictatorship is protecting individuals who have committed heinous acts against our citizens and the administration continues to do nothing about it.”

Moreover, the Florida senator renewed his support for Puerto Rican statehood despite the lack of support in the upper chamber, saying he will not stop working toward helping the island.

"In 2020, our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico made it clear through their internal referendum that they desire statehood," Rubio said. "Today there are not currently 60 votes for this in the Senate. However, that shouldn't stop us from working on other initiatives that help Puerto Rico thrive economically, including my bipartisan and bicameral MMEDS [Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability] Act that would rebuild the island’s pharmaceutical industry and make America less reliant on foreign nations for medicine."

Puerto Rico, home to 3.2 million people, has experienced a steady population decline over the years. Many attribute this outmigration to its territorial status – frustration over a lack of representation and the dimming economic prospects on the island created in large part due to being a territory.

As a result of these issues, Puerto Ricans continue to move to the mainland U.S., which is home to nearly six million Puerto Ricans, primarily in Florida and New York, but also more than 700,000 living in vital swing states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.