Duval Times

Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz have introduced the Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Act. This legislation aims to extradite convicted felons Joanne Chesimard and William "Guillermo" Morales from Cuba to the United States. Both individuals are wanted by the FBI, with Chesimard listed among the Most Wanted Terrorists. The bill also targets other fugitives who have found refuge in Cuba.

The proposed legislation holds Cuba accountable under existing treaties and restricts International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement (INCLE) funding while Cuba remains noncompliant. Previously, Secretary of State Marco Rubio led similar efforts during his tenure in the U.S. Senate.

Senator Rick Scott stated, “The despicable Cuban regime continues to prove that it cannot be trusted by the United States or freedom-loving nations around the world by allowing safe haven to some of the United States’ most wanted fugitives who have committed heinous crimes.” He further expressed confidence in President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's leadership, noting their efforts to reverse previous administration policies: “I’m glad to see they are already taking significant action to reverse the Biden-Harris administration’s dangerous appeasement policies, holding the regime accountable and bringing a new day of freedom to the people in Cuba.”

Scott emphasized his commitment to working on such legislative measures, stating, “I’ll keep working to do the same in the Senate with legislation like the Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Actto make clear the United States will not rest until these fugitives are extradited and justice is served.”

###