Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced new sanctions against a senior Nicaraguan official, signaling a stronger push by the Trump administration against leftist governments in Latin America.<\/p>\n
On April 18, Rubio sanctioned Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Ca\u00f1as Novoa under Section 7031(c), a State Department authority used against foreign officials accused of serious human rights abuses. The measure blocks him from entering the United States and coincided with the anniversary of Nicaragua\u2019s 2018 anti-government protests.<\/p>\n
\u201cNearly eight years ago, the Rosario Murillo and Daniel Ortega dictatorship unleashed a brutal wave of repression against Nicaraguans,\u201d the State Department said. U.S. figures estimate the crackdown left more than 325 people dead.<\/p>\n
The move follows additional sanctions targeting Nicaragua\u2019s gold industry. Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed penalties on several individuals and entities connected to the sector, which officials say helps finance the government.<\/p>\n