Tell CBP: Stop Forced-Labor Sugar From Entering the U.S.

A new investigation says workers are still facing forced labor conditions on sugar plantations whose products the Trump administration allowed back into the United States.

Customs and Border Patrol blocked sugar from Central Romana Corporation in 2022 after finding evidence reasonably indicating forced-labor practices. But in March 2025, after Donald Trump returned to office, the agency lifted the restriction.

Central Romana is controlled by the politically powerful Fanjul family, and co-owner José “Pepe” Fanjul has longstanding ties to Trump. Now Senator Ron Wyden is demanding records about how CBP made its decision. With new allegations that abuses persist, the public deserves answers.

Tell U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Fight forced labor. Reinstate restrictions on Central Romana sugar and disclose why the previous restriction was lifted.

Many of the workers affected are Haitian migrants or their descendants, making them especially vulnerable to exploitation. Central Romana disputes the allegations and says it complies with labor standards.

But U.S. law prohibits importing goods made with forced labor. Political connections should never outweigh workers’ basic rights.

CBP must act now. It should stop Central Romana sugar at the border, investigate the new evidence, and require proof that abusive labor conditions have ended.

Add your name and demand that CBP enforce the law and protect vulnerable workers.

The petition to U.S. Customs and Border Protection reads:

“Take forced labor seriously. Reinstate import restrictions on Central Romana sugar based on new evidence and publicly disclose the basis for CBP’s March 2025 decision to lift the previous restriction.”