The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is implementing measures to bolster the security of the country's textile industry. A new initiative will enable two DHS agencies to collaborate more effectively on their mission to protect America's textile sector, which provides over 500,000 jobs.

Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, "We are dedicated to ensuring a fair and level playing field for American businesses. The textile industry, like other industries, suffers when competitors use forced labor, violate customs laws, and engage in other illegal practices to undercut U.S. businesses and drive prices unfairly low. Through strengthened enforcement measures, enhanced inspection and testing, and increased information sharing, this Administration is protecting thousands of American workers and the U.S. textile industry."

According to a DHS news release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) will increase audits on small packages that may contain textiles. They will also conduct special trade operations to seize illegal fiber-based materials. Additionally, there will be an expansion of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List—a list of entities in Xinjiang that mine, produce or manufacture any goods wholly or partially with forced labor.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas | DHS

Under Secretary for Policy and Chair of the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force Robert Silvers stated: "DHS is committed to expanding the UFLPA Entity List and sending a strong message to the importing community that the United States has zero tolerance for forced labor in our supply chains. Enforcing our forced labor laws protects human rights as well as businesses and workers who play by the rules and should not be undercut by predatory and abusive labor practices."

In January, Mayorkas met with members of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO). He was informed that companies operating outside free trade agreements were crippling the sector by creating an unfair marketplace—a direct violation of the UFLAPA according to a news release. Since then, Mayorkas has spearheaded efforts to prevent entities that circumvent the rules from introducing their products into the American market.