As Cubans protest the communist government, their calls for political change are beginning to be heard across America.
Javy Prendes is a businessman, born in Cuba, but raised in the mid-west. He says he's aware that the protests are being downplayed. "They're risking their lives and being put in jail, and taken out of their houses," said Prendes. "All of that is happening now," he adds.
Grassroots protests in support of the Cuban freedom movement have been taking place across the US. Prendes says even though there have been efforts in the past, this time could bring the freedom the people are striving for.
"They've shut down all the avenues, the internet, they're trying to keep a lid on things, but I don't know if they can keep a lid on it, this time," Prendes said. "I think with the hunger, and the lack of basic food, and the illness, I think people are going to be pushing harder than ever before."
After stating that Cuban refugees would not be allowed into the US, the Biden Administration announced on Thursday that sanctions were being imposed on a top Cubin military official responsible for the brutal crackdown on the island's protests. This marks a shift in promises made during the campaign to restore the Obama era US-Cuba policy.