Valley Veteran Claims Forcible Removal and Wrongful Detention on Cruise Ship
A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Jose "Joey" Martinez, recently reported a distressing incident during a cruise to the Caribbean that he believes was a case of mistaken identity. Martinez’s trip, intended to celebrate his 50th birthday, took a sinister turn when, after docking in Miami, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stormed his cabin while he was still asleep.
According to Martinez, he was handcuffed and forcibly removed from his cabin, taken to a holding cell off the ship. He remained in custody for about 90 minutes, during which he provided proof of his identification and recounted his seven-year service in the Coast Guard. Unfortunately, his efforts seemed ineffective at first. Only after being fingerprinted and questioned further were the agents able to confirm they had the wrong person and subsequently released him.
Martinez expressed the gravity of the situation, noting that his common name, "Jose Martinez," has led to previous detentions, but none as violent or traumatizing as this one. He emphasized that his experience highlights a troubling reality—misidentifications can happen to anyone.
His wife, Tammy Verhas, attempted to document the incident on video but was stopped by a female agent, who later prevented them from keeping their recordings of the ordeal. Together, they plan to seek accountability from the CBP regarding this unsettling incident.
In response, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line stated they were aware of the situation involving CBP and deferred further inquiries to the authorities. Both ICE and CBP were contacted for comment, and a representative from the Florida CBP office stated they would investigate the matter.
This incident raises significant concerns about the treatment and rights of individuals in similar circumstances and highlights the ongoing discussions about identity verification and the protocols followed by border enforcement.
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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