U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations has arrested Adys Lastres Morera, a lawful permanent resident of Cuban origin, citing what authorities describe as “serious adverse foreign policy consequences” linked to her continued presence in the United States.
According to a statement by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Lastres Morera was taken into custody in Miami on May 22. Officials say she is “removable” under provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act following a determination by the U.S. Department of State on May 20.
HSI officials allege that Lastres Morera has familial ties to senior figures within Cuba’s state-linked enterprise structure, specifically Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), which U.S. authorities describe as a military controlled conglomerate with significant influence over the Cuban economy.
“The Cuban military-controlled GAESA, which is the heart of that country’s kleptocratic communist system, controls up to $20 billion in illicit assets,” said HSI acting Executive Associate Director John Condon in remarks released by the agency. He added that allowing Lastres Morera to remain in the United States could undermine foreign policy objectives and signal tolerance of networks linked to the Cuban government.
Authorities further stated that Lastres Morera’s sister holds a senior executive position within GAESA and is involved in managing its internationally held assets. The statement alleges that revenues linked to the organisation benefit elite interests in Cuba while ordinary citizens face economic hardship.
Lastres Morera reportedly entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident on January 13, 2023. Officials said there is no record of her having applied for U.S. citizenship or a passport.
The Department of State’s determination that she is removable was made under Section 237(a)(4)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for removal of individuals whose presence is deemed to have serious foreign policy implications.
HSI said the arrest forms part of broader enforcement efforts targeting individuals with alleged ties to foreign governments considered adversarial to U.S. interests.
The agency also referenced a separate development involving the unsealing of a superseding indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with a 1996 case, underscoring what it described as ongoing scrutiny of Cuba’s political and economic leadership networks.
Lastres Morera will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, authorities confirmed.