11 cruise workers arrested in Boston over alleged child sex abuse materials

Federal agents boarded two cruise ships docked in Boston and arrested 11 foreign workers suspected of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrests following "Operation Tidal Wave," which took place between August 14 and 16.

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Following a comprehensive search of the subjects' living quarters and electronic devices, and consultation with the U.S. Attorney's Office, all 11 individuals were processed for removal under Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for crimes involving moral turpitude.

The operation involved Border Patrol agents and Department of Homeland Security investigators boarding the Holland America Line's Volendam and the Norwegian Breakaway. Nine of the arrested individuals are from the Philippines, one is from Indonesia, and another is from Nicaragua. Authorities conducted searches of the workers' living quarters and electronic devices.

Following the searches and consultation with the U.S. Attorney's Office, all 11 individuals were processed for removal from the United States. They are being processed under Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which pertains to crimes involving moral turpitude. CBP stated that the individuals are scheduled to depart the U.S. with the assistance of the shipping agent.

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Protecting children from exploitation is among our highest priorities, and this operation demonstrates the critical role CBP officers play in identifying and stopping individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

This operation is part of a broader CBP initiative. Previous "Operation Tidal Wave" actions in San Diego and Puerto Rico earlier this year led to the arrest of 41 crew members from nine different ships. Julio Caravia, acting director of field operations for CBP in Boston, emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting children, stating, "Protecting children from exploitation is among our highest priorities, and this operation demonstrates the critical role CBP officers play in identifying and stopping individuals who pose a threat to public safety."

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These allegations are deeply disturbing, and we have zero tolerance for criminal behavior.

Both Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line expressed their cooperation with law enforcement. A spokesperson for Holland America Line stated that the company "immediately terminated the individuals involved" and has "zero tolerance for criminal behavior." Norwegian Cruise Line affirmed they "take this matter very seriously" and are "committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment across our fleet," prioritizing the safety, security, and well-being of their guests.

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We are aware of the situation and take this matter very seriously. The safety, security, and well-being of our guests are of paramount importance, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment across our fleet.