U.S. Secretary of State Sanctions Cuban Organization Linked to U.S. Nonprofits

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), which has been involved with U.S. organizations for over six decades. ICAP, founded by Fidel Castro in 1960, is considered by U.S. officials to be part of Cuba's intelligence operations. Rubio stated that Cuba has historically supported radical movements and that the sanctions target a network of groups promoting Cuba's agenda, including those funded by American businessman Neville Roy Singham. The sanctions also affect other entities such as Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution. ICAP is currently led by Fernando González Llort, a former Cuban intelligence officer. The sanctions come amid federal scrutiny of U.S. nonprofits allegedly coordinating with Cuba to influence public opinion. The Cuban government condemned the sanctions, claiming they escalate economic pressure and conflict between the U.S. and Cuba.