ABC News Lands Interview With Elian Gonzalez, Miami Boy US Returned to Cuba

Fifteen years after he was taken from his U.S. family and sent back to Havana, the 21-year-old speaks to American media for first time

Elian Gonzalez, the child seized by U.S. officials in Miami in 2000 and returned to his native Cuba, said he wants “to thank the American people” in an interview with ABC News Senior National Correspondent Jim Avila, the network said Sunday.

The exclusive interview with Gonzalez, now 21, is the first he’s done with an American media company. it was conducted in Cuba and is the first time he has spoken at length on the event in nearly 10 years. “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir” and “Nightline” will air clips from the exclusive on Monday at 7 a.m., 6:30 p.m. and 12:35 a.m., ET, respectively on ABC.

The episode caused a storm of controversy in the States after cameras found him hiding in a closet at a relative;s home as armed U.S. immigration officers seized him.

Avila also speaks with his father Juan Miguel to whom the United States returned Elian when they seized him from the home of relatives in Miami in April 2000, and video of his return to Cuba and meeting Fidel Castro, for the first time – which has never before been aired in the U.S.

Gonzalez gives the fullest account of the crossing ever. the network said. He opens up about memories of his mother, relationship with Castro, claims that he has been brainwashed, thoughts on his family in the United States and whether or not he wants to return.

ABC News Videos | ABC Entertainment News

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