Eleven foreign nationals employed on cruise ships in Boston were arrested and processed for removal from the U.S. due to their alleged involvement in child sexual abuse and exploitation material, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The enforcement action, which took place from August 14 to 16, was a collaborative effort involving CBP officers and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The operation targeted individuals aboard the Volendam and Norwegian Breakaway, resulting in the detention of nine Philippine citizens, one Indonesian citizen, and one Nicaraguan citizen.
This crackdown was part of Operation Tidal Wave, a multi-agency initiative aimed at identifying cruise ship crew members linked to the possession or distribution of child sexual exploitation material. During the operation, officials searched the crew members’ living quarters and electronic devices, consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office before processing them for removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act due to crimes involving moral turpitude. The individuals received assistance from a shipping agent and were scheduled to leave the U.S.
CBP emphasized that protecting children from exploitation is a priority and highlighted the operation as an example of effective collaboration between border and law enforcement agencies. The Boston operation follows earlier phases of Operation Tidal Wave, which has already seen administrative actions against 52 cruise ship crew members across multiple locations, including San Diego and San Juan. Authorities remain committed to pursuing individuals involved in child sexual abuse material, which is strictly prohibited under federal law.
