The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating reports that 18 Filipino seafarers were detained and forcibly returned to the Philippines in handcuffs over alleged child pornography violations linked to their cell phones. These sailors were part of the crew on the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, which docked in Norfolk, Virginia, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents apprehended them.
This incident has sparked outrage among American communities and immigrant rights advocates. One seafarer, Marcelo Morales, shared his experience on Facebook, alleging racial discrimination and mistreatment of Filipino crew members in the U.S. He described harrowing conditions, claiming they were deprived of food and water during their detention.
Morales recounted the timeline of events, starting from May 30 when his phone was inspected for illegal content but cleared without charges. However, on June 28, he was arrested upon the ship’s return to Norfolk, accused of viewing child sexual abuse material without any new evidence presented. He and eight other crew members were taken into custody, raising concerns about their rights and the systemic issues faced by migrant workers.
