Cruise Ship Employees Face Detention and Deportation: Advocates Mobilize in Hampton Roads

Demonstrators gathered in Norfolk to protest the detentions and deportations of 21 cruise ship employees, primarily Filipino workers with legal visas, who they claimed were falsely accused by federal authorities of possessing child pornography. The protests occurred at Town Point Park as the Carnival Sunshine was docked nearby, with advocates voicing their concerns about the series of raids conducted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers since April.

Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center, led the demonstration and asserted that the detentions were baseless, aimed at meeting deportation quotas during a broader crackdown by the Trump administration. The group contended that their claims were not substantiated by any evidence, and many of the detained crew members held valid work visas and did not have criminal records.

According to Soriano Versoza, those targeted included lower-ranking employees such as cooks and custodians, who were taken off the ship during inspections. She stated that these individuals were not provided with formal charges and were subjected to questioning without the presence of any incriminating evidence against them.

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed its cooperation with federal investigations, emphasizing that they had training programs in place to ensure crew members adhered to internet safety guidelines. Reactions to the situation have led to fears within the Filipino community in the Hampton Roads area, with advocates stressing the need for protection and rights for all workers, regardless of their immigration status.

The CBP later reiterated its right to inspect individuals and stated that violations of visa terms could lead to detention and removal. Advocates and community leaders condemned the actions as aggressive targeting of immigrants, urging for justice and dignity for detained workers.

For more information on the advocacy and ongoing developments, you can visit the Pilipino Workers Center and follow updates from relevant organizations involved in immigrant rights.

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