Protesters are seeking answers regarding the detention and deportation of at least 26 Filipino seafarers by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the end of April. Demonstrators from the Pilipino Workers Center gathered along Harbor Drive, chanting “Save our seafarers, SOS,” to express solidarity with those affected. Aquilina Soriano Versoza, the center’s executive director, emphasized that these workers had undergone thorough vetting before their removal.
Versoza detailed the events leading to the deportations, stating that the seafarers were taken off their vessels, interviewed, and had their visas revoked on the same day. She described the process as dehumanizing, noting that they were treated like criminals during their return to the Philippines. The deported individuals primarily held lower-paid positions, such as housekeeping attendants and chefs, highlighting their vulnerability.
In response to the protests, CBP clarified that between April 23 and April 27, they conducted enforcement operations on eight cruise ships related to child sexual exploitation material. Of the 28 individuals detained, 27 were implicated in offenses related to child pornography. CBP stated that their visas were canceled, leading to their deportation.
