Shifting from campaign promises, Biden announces Cuba sanctions after protest crackdown - USA TODAY

"This is just the beginning – the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people," Biden said in a statement Thursday.

“The sanctions architecture built around Cuba makes these designations entirely redundant,” he said. “The sanctions are purely symbolic and meant to give the impression that the Biden administration is responding rapidly to the Cuban protests when these actions really are not doing much.”.

"As we hold the Cuban regime accountable, our support for the Cuban people is unwavering, and we are making sure Cuban Americans are a vital partner in our efforts to provide relief to suffering people on the Island," Biden said Thursday.

Bob Menendez, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the Biden administration's decision sent a clear message to the Cuban government.

“These will be very well-received, not just amongst Cuban exiles around the world but the international community who bore witness to the abuses inflicted upon the population in Cuba that was simply asking for freedom and for liberty,” Amandi said.

They will exert pressure on the Cuban government, Amandi said, “while at the same time emboldening and empowering the protesters on the island.”

Price said the Biden administration will do that only if it can ensure none of the money will end up in Cuban government coffers