Outrage Over ICE Detentions of Disney Cruise Staff

Immigrant activist groups are expressing strong discontent regarding the recent “abduction” of a Disney Cruise crew member by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in front of shocked passengers.

At a press conference in San Diego, Benjamin Prado of Union del Barrio and other immigration advocates voiced their frustrations about ICE’s actions. “I was really worried,” Prado commented, questioning whether the family of the detained worker was even informed about his situation.

This incident, according to Prado, is part of a troubling trend that extends beyond San Diego and reflects a concerning direction nationally. He argued that detainees are often deprived of their right to due process and legal assistance.

Prado emphasized, “We have a responsibility as a community to denounce these practices by Customs and Border Protection and ICE, including the ongoing detention of migrant workers, whether in our neighborhoods or on our cruise ships.”

Some advocates are calling on Disney to do more to safeguard its workers. One cruise passenger, Dalmi Mehta, shared her distress after witnessing crew members being detained as they disembarked in San Diego. She recalled forming a friendly bond with the head waiter during her trip, leading to her deep concern about his situation, especially given that he had no possessions with him. “How will he contact his family? Will they know he won’t be back on the ship today?” she pondered.

Reports mentioned that in addition to the detentions from Disney Cruise, several other individuals were taken by ICE from the Holland America cruise ship Zaandam at the same location.

Protesters at the event, including supporters of the Filipino community, held signs demanding fair treatment for those affected.

A spokesperson for the Port of San Diego clarified that their police department was not involved in the enforcement actions that occurred at the B Street Cruise Terminal on April 23 and 25. “We have received no reports related to these incidents. According to California law, including SB 54, Port Police does not partake in immigration enforcement operations,” the statement read.