Nicaraguan Vice Minister of Interior Designated Under Section 7031(c) for Human Rights Violations
Summary
The U.S. Department of State designated Nicaraguan Vice Minister of Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State Appropriations Act, 2026 for his involvement in gross violations of human rights. The designation commemorates the anniversary of the April 2018 protests and honors over 325 protesters killed in the aftermath of government repression. The individual is designated for involvement in human rights abuses connected to the Ortega-Murillo regime.
What changed
The State Department publicly designated Vice Minister of Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa under Section 7031(c), making him ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights. The designation specifically targets his role in the regime's 2018 crackdown that resulted in over 325 protester deaths.\n\nForeign government officials and individuals involved in serious human rights violations who are designated under Section 7031(c) face visa restrictions and inadmissibility to the United States. This action serves as a public accountability measure and may have secondary effects on individuals who conduct business with or provide support to designated persons, as such associations may draw scrutiny under related sanctions frameworks.
Archived snapshot
Apr 18, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases … Designation of Nicaraguan Vice Minister of the Interior for Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights hide
Designation of Nicaraguan Vice Minister of the Interior for Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights
Press Statement
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
April 18, 2026
Nearly eight years ago, the Rosario Murillo and Daniel Ortega dictatorship unleashed a brutal wave of repression against Nicaraguans who courageously stood against the regime’s increased tyranny, corruption, and abuse. Today, to mark the anniversary of the April 2018 protests, and remember the more than 325 protesters murdered in the aftermath, the Trump Administration is designating Vice Minister of the Interior, Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa, under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in gross violations of human rights.
This public designation is made under Section 7031(c) of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (Div. F, P.L. 119-75).
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Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Nicaragua Office of the Spokesperson The Secretary of State
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