Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart expressed his approval on Monday for the Trump Administration's recent measures targeting the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo regime, which stands accused of facilitating and profiting from the illegal trafficking of migrants to the United States.
Díaz-Balart took to the social media platform X to respond to an announcement by Tommy Pigott, the principal deputy spokesperson for the State Department. Pigott revealed that Washington is set to revoke visas and impose restrictions on owners, executives, and high-ranking officials from transportation companies, travel agencies, and tour operators who have "deliberately facilitated illegal migration through Nicaragua to the United States."
"The Murillo-Ortega regime has allowed Nicaragua to become a visa-free springboard for those exploiting the chaotic and irresponsibly open border policies of Biden," Díaz-Balart stated.
The congressman further noted that the Sandinista regime has "profited from this scheme by charging fees of up to $200 for passage through Nicaraguan territory, directly undermining U.S. national security."
The State Department highlighted that these measures will target individuals and entities that have "gained economically by facilitating illegal migration," particularly through air and land routes utilized by citizens from Cuba, Haiti, and other Latin American nations aiming to reach U.S. soil.
"The United States does not tolerate those who benefit from illegal immigration or who undermine our immigration laws," Pigott declared in his statement.
These sanctions are part of a broader initiative by the Trump Administration to curb irregular migration in the region and to increase pressure on the Ortega-Murillo regime, which is politically aligned with Havana and Caracas.
Díaz-Balart emphasized that "the dictatorships in the hemisphere must be held accountable for their actions" and endorsed the White House's sanctions policy as "a strong response to those who jeopardize U.S. security for economic and political gain."
Key Questions on U.S. Sanctions Against Nicaragua
What are the new U.S. measures against the Ortega-Murillo regime?
The U.S. has announced visa revocations and restrictions on owners, executives, and officials of companies that have facilitated illegal migration through Nicaragua.
Why is the Trump Administration imposing these sanctions?
These sanctions aim to curb the flow of illegal migration and increase pressure on the Ortega-Murillo regime, which is profiting from such activities and undermining U.S. security.
How did the Ortega-Murillo regime allegedly benefit from illegal migration?
The regime allegedly charged fees for passage through Nicaragua, facilitating illegal migration and thus gaining economic benefits.