The Department of Justice has initiated civil proceedings to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Victor Rocha, a former American ambassador accused of covertly serving Cuba’s interests while holding high-level government positions. Rocha, originally from Colombia, is currently serving a prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy and acting as an unauthorized agent of a foreign government.
The DOJ alleges Rocha obtained citizenship fraudulently in the late 1970s by hiding his affiliation with Cuba’s Communist Party and falsely affirming loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. Prosecutors contend he never qualified for naturalization due to these concealed ties and his engagement in unlawful activities promoting communist ideology.
Rocha’s case stands out as one of the longest known infiltrations of the U.S. government by a foreign intelligence operative. Throughout his career, he held diplomatic posts across Latin America and occupied a role within the White House National Security Council during the Clinton administration. These positions granted him access to sensitive and classified information, which, according to federal authorities, he exploited on Cuba’s behalf.
During undercover operations, Rocha reportedly described the United States as “the enemy” and expressed his main priority was to protect the Cuban leadership and revolution from Washington’s actions. Federal prosecutors emphasize that individuals who act as agents for foreign adversaries should never attain or retain American citizenship.
The denaturalization complaint accuses Rocha of multiple false statements made under oath during his citizenship process. These include denying any criminal conduct, renouncing Communist Party membership, and rejecting support for communism.