U.S. imposes broad new sanctions on Cuba, targeting government ties and key sectors

The White House announced a sweeping new round of sanctions against Cuba on Friday, expanding pressure on the island’s government and those tied to it.

The measures build on a recent executive order that labels Cuba as a threat to U.S. national security, significantly widening the scope of who could be targeted.

According to the administration, the U.S. will freeze assets and block financial transactions for individuals and entities linked to the Cuban government — particularly those involved in key sectors like energy, defense, finance and mining.

The sanctions also target officials connected to the Cuban regime, individuals accused of human rights abuses or corruption, people providing financial or material support to the government and even family members of sanctioned individuals.

Because of Cuba’s state-controlled system, experts note the reach could be extensive.

If you’re familiar with Cuba, you know this is an island where almost everyone has some sort of link to the government.

“These sanctions are aimed at the intelligence and repressive organizations of that regime, and they will help the Cuban people resist the repression they’re under,” said Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat of the Assembly of Cuban Resistance.

But others argue the move may fall short.

“It does not specifically name individuals or organizations,” said NBC6 political analyst Alex Penelas. “For some, this will be seen as falling short of the decisive action needed to bring real political change.”

The executive order imposes other major restrictions and bars U.S. companies from doing business with sanctioned individuals and entities. Those sanctioned are banned from entering the United States.

Foreign banks can face penalties if they process transactions tied to sanctioned individuals and consequences for financial institutions could be severe, including losing access to the U.S. banking system and having assets frozen in the United States.

Cuba experts say the sanctions go beyond the island itself.

“This sends multiple messages,” said Andy Gomez, a retired University of Miami professor and Cuba expert. “One, that the U.S. hasn’t forgotten Cuba. Two, it signals to countries like Russia and China—who have shown growing interest in Cuba—to stay out. And three, it’s a warning tied to migration concerns.”

Gomez believes the White House is also sending a message to Cuban Americans here in South Florida the president has not forgotten Cuba.

With these sanctions, even donations are restricted to those who are sanctioned.

The Trump administration has placed the State and Treasury Departments in charge of who is sanctioned, which means Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be involved in those decisions.