Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Miami, FL – A 64-year-old Cuban national, Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez, has been indicted in the Southern District of Florida on charges of immigration fraud and making false statements to a federal agency, potentially facing up to 15 years in federal prison. The indictment, unsealed Wednesday, November 12, 2025, alleges that Rodriguez, a former Cuban Air Force pilot, intentionally concealed his extensive military history with the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force to gain permanent residency in the United States.
Details of the Allegations
According to the indictment, on or about April 20, 2025, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez submitted a Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In this application, he allegedly made several false statements regarding his past affiliations and training.
Specifically, the indictment claims Rodriguez falsely stated that he had never received weapons or military training, never participated in any group using or threatening weapons, and never served in a military or police unit. These assertions contradict his actual service as a military pilot in the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force from 1980 to 2009, during which he received extensive training and participated in military operations.
Government Response
Attorney General Pamela Bondi underscored the gravity of the charges, stating that Rodriguez’s past as a “longtime military pilot for the evil Castro regime” should have been transparent in his immigration file. She affirmed the Department of Justice’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting individuals who misrepresent their history to exploit America’s immigration system.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation into Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez was a collaborative effort spearheaded by FBI Miami, with significant assistance from the FBI Jacksonville Field Office, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. The case is being jointly prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney Abbie D. Waxman for the Southern District of Florida.
An indictment represents a formal accusation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case underscores the government’s vigilance in preventing individuals from fraudulently obtaining immigration benefits by concealing pertinent information about their foreign military service. The U.S. Department of Justice continues to prioritize the integrity of the nation’s immigration system through rigorous enforcement actions.
