US agency under scrutiny after watchdog warns of forced labor in Dominican Republic

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is facing criticism after a watchdog group raised concerns about forced labor on sugarcane farms in the Dominican Republic, a key supplier of sugar to the United States. In 2022, the agency imposed a ban on imports of sugar and other products made by Central Romana Corporation, Ltd., alleging the company subjected workers to isolation, wage withholding, and abusive conditions.

However, the ban was lifted last year under the Trump administration, leading to renewed concerns when a nonprofit investigative group published a report indicating that forced labor is still present. The report followed extensive investigations over more than three years. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, sent a letter to Customs and Border Protection on Thursday, requesting details about the reversal of the ban, accusing the agency of bypassing standard procedures and questioning the integrity of U.S. trade policy.

The agency acknowledged the request but has not yet provided a response. Senator Wyden emphasized the importance of upholding U.S. trade enforcement mechanisms against political interference to prevent forced labor from entering the supply chain of goods bought by American businesses and consumers.