US hits Cuba with new sanctions as Biden vows further action The latest sanctions on Cubaꞌs interior police follow mass protests on the island that started on July 11. Cuban-American leaders met Biden at the White House Friday. Cuban-American leaders and activists have called on Biden to support demonstrators protesting against Cuba's government US President Joe Biden said he would push for tougher sanctions against Cuba on Friday after meeting with Cuban-American leaders who urged him to support the protests. Who was targeted by the sanctions? The US Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions against the island's National Revolutionary Police and its two leaders, Oscar Callejas Valcarce and Eddy Sierra Arias.