The Biden administration announced additional sanctions on Cuba

The Biden administration on Friday announced additional sanctions on Cuba, but also pushed ahead with plans to expand the U.S. diplomatic presence and provide internet service to the island nation following widespread protests earlier this month.

The sanctions, imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act, which allows the U.S. to seek financial punishment against human rights offenders, targets Cuba’s National Revolutionary Police along with its head Oscar Callejas Valcarce and his deputy Eddy Sierra Arias.

“The Treasury Department will continue to designate and call out by name those who facilitate the Cuban regime’s involvement in serious human rights abuse,” said Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Andrea M. Gacki. “Today’s action serves to further hold accountable those responsible for suppressing the Cuban people’s calls for freedom and respect for human rights.”

Friday’s announcement came ahead of a White House meeting with Cuban American leaders as well as members of Congress to discuss further actions on Cuba, including expanding a U.S. diplomatic presence that was drastically reduced under the Trump administration and how to move forward with the complex process of trying to provide internet access in a country that has periodically shut down internet service in the face of the protests.