Four years after thousands of Cubans peacefully took to the streets, demanding a future free from tyranny, the U.S. government is taking significant steps to hold accountable those responsible for the regime’s brutal crackdown on dissent.
On July 11, 2025, in Miami, Florida, the Department of State announced its decision to designate key Cuban leaders under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024. These designations, made in solidarity with the Cuban people and their political prisoners, target individuals involved in gross violations of human rights.
The list includes Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, López Miera, Álvarez Casas, and their immediate family members, who are accused of involvement in the unjust detention and torture of protesters on July 11, 2021. The U.S. government will also impose visa restrictions on numerous Cuban judicial and prison officials responsible for, or complicit in, these human rights abuses.
In addition to designations and visa restrictions, the Department is updating the Cuba Restricted List and the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to include 11 regime-linked properties, including the new 42-story “Torre K” hotel. These listings will prevent U.S. funds from reaching the island’s corrupt repressors.
The U.S. government’s actions demonstrate its unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. The designation of key regime leaders underlines the need for accountability and justice for those responsible for human rights abuses.
“The United States will continue to stand with the Cuban people, who have been subjected to brutal repression and torture,” said a spokesperson for the Department of State. “We will not tolerate illegitimate, dictatorial regimes in our hemisphere.”
The U.S. government’s actions on July 11 are part of its broader efforts to strengthen its Cuba policy, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum-5 from June 30, 2025.
The designation and visa restrictions are the result of a thorough review of human rights abuses committed by the Cuban regime. The U.S. government will continue to monitor the situation in Cuba and take further action as necessary to protect the human rights and freedoms of its people.
Key Designations and Actions
- Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, López Miera, Álvarez Casas, and their immediate family members have been designated under Section 7031(c) for their involvement in gross violations of human rights.
- Cuban judicial and prison officials responsible for, or complicit in, the unjust detention and torture of protesters will face visa restrictions.
- The Cuba Restricted List and the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List have been updated to include 11 regime-linked properties, including “Torre K” hotel.
, please contact WHA-PDA-Press@state.gov.