Somoza family
Cárdenas became a citizen of the United States in 1963. In 1979, the couple fled Nicaragua and lost their home and valuables to the Sandinista National Liberation Front. Cárdenas' half-brother, Chester Escobar, had worked with the Somoza family, and was executed by the Sandinista government. Cárdenas now makes his home in Houston, and he refuses to return to Nicaragua until his belongings are returned to him.