FBI Investigates Deadly Cuba Speedboat Shootout

U.S. team arrives in Havana to verify Cuban authorities' account of the incident.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:20pm

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A technical team from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrived in Cuba to launch an 'independent investigation' following a deadly shootout between Cuban border patrol and a group of Cuban exiles who tried to enter the island by speedboat in late February. The U.S. Embassy in Havana said the FBI trip is part of a 'thorough and independent investigation' to verify Cuba's version of events.

Why it matters

Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba have escalated since January when the U.S. imposed a virtual oil blockade on the island after capturing and ousting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a crucial Cuban benefactor. The speedboat incursion is the latest flashpoint in the strained relations between the two nations.

The details

On February 25, 10 Cuban nationals tried to enter Cuba by speedboat at night, armed with nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles and 11 pistols. A Cuban patrol boat spotted the incoming vessel and a firefight ensued, leaving five of the infiltrators dead and the others wounded and in Cuban custody.

  • The incident occurred on February 25.
  • The FBI team arrived in Cuba this week to launch an investigation.

The players

U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation

The U.S. federal law enforcement agency that has arrived in Cuba to conduct an independent investigation into the deadly speedboat shootout.

U.S. Embassy in Havana

The U.S. diplomatic mission in Cuba that announced the FBI's arrival and stated the investigation is part of a 'thorough and independent' effort to verify Cuba's account of the incident.

Cuban Border Patrol

The Cuban security forces that engaged in the firefight with the group of Cuban exiles who tried to enter the island by speedboat.

Cuban Exiles

A group of 10 Cuban nationals who allegedly tried to enter Cuba by speedboat, armed with a large cache of ammunition and weapons, and were involved in the deadly shootout with Cuban border patrol.

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What they’re saying

“Consistent with U.S. policy, we do not make decisions in the United States on the basis of what Cuban authorities are saying. We will independently verify the facts and make decisions based solely on U.S. interest, U.S. law, and the protection U.S. citizens.”

— U.S. Embassy Official

“The speedboat incursion was not a U.S. operation and that no U.S. government personnel were involved.”

— Secretary of State Marco Rubio

What’s next

The FBI team's investigation is expected to verify Cuba's account of the incident and determine if any U.S. interests or laws were violated.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, with both sides seeking to independently investigate the events and protect their respective national interests. The outcome of the FBI's probe could further impact the strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.