Law enforcement officials have revealed that families on a cruise, likely looking to create lasting memories, were surrounded by suspected child predators connected to the ship.
Between April 23 and April 25, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) boarded five cruise ships, including one from Disney, that had docked in San Diego. This was part of a broader operation targeting Child Sexual Exploitation Material, according to a CBP spokesperson.
After interviewing 26 crew members from the Philippines, along with one from Portugal and another from Indonesia, officials discovered that all were likely involved in activities related to child pornography or exploitation, as noted by the spokesperson.
CBP confirmed that it is revoking visas and removing those identified as criminals from the country.
A representative from Disney commented, saying the company maintains a zero-tolerance stance on such behavior and is fully cooperating with law enforcement. They also noted that those arrested are no longer part of the company.
Details on which other cruise lines were involved remain vague, although passengers aboard the Disney vessel were left shocked when they witnessed multiple arrests last month.
Travelers recorded the moments when immigration officials handcuffed several crew members as they unloaded luggage from the Disney Magic. One passenger noted that one of those detained was her server.
Before this incident became public, some immigrant rights organizations criticized the arrests and claimed that four crew members were also taken into custody on a Holland America cruise ship.
Local law enforcement stated they were not involved in the actions taken at the B Street Cruise Terminal during that time.
A spokesperson for the Port of San Diego clarified that their police department was not part of the enforcement operations that occurred on April 23 and 25.
Disney has yet to respond to requests for further comments.
