Group slams ‘unjust, inhumane’ deportation of Filipino seafarers in US

MANILA, Philippines — A seafarers’ rights group condemned the “unjust and inhumane” deportation of over 100 Filipino cruise ship workers in the United States between April and July this year, urging the Marcos administration to file a diplomatic protest and provide legal aid to the affected workers.

In a statement released on July 24, the International Seafarers Action Center (ISAC) cited the case of the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection raids resulted in the arrest of 21 Filipino crew members from April 13 to July 12 at the Port of Norfolk, Virginia.

The seafarers were accused of possessing child sexual abuse materials but were not shown evidence, charged, or given access to legal counsel, ISAC said.

READ: Filipino seafarer decries ‘harassment’ by US officers

“These seafarers held valid C-1/D visas and were lawfully employed aboard the vessel, yet they were not afforded due process,” the group said. “Their removal and deportation represent a grave violation of their basic rights and dignity.”

The C-1/D visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to foreign crew members such as seafarers and airline staff who are traveling to the United States. It allows temporary entry for crew to join ships or rest between assignments, but does not permit extended stays or employment outside vessel duties.

ISAC also criticized the imposition of a 10-year reentry ban on the affected workers, calling it a “disturbing” penalty that would affect their families and long-term employment.

According to the Pilipino Workers Center, 80 more Filipinos from the Carnival Mardi Gras and Carnival Vista, both based in Port Canaveral, Florida, were deported between April and May. All three vessels, including Carnival Sunshine, are operated by Carnival Cruise Line.

READ: More than 100 Filipino cruise ship workers detained, deported in US raids

“We condemn these acts of discrimination against Filipinos and migrant workers by the US government,” ISAC said. “We demand the Marcos government stand up for the rights of Filipino seafarers and migrants all over the world.”

The group particularly called out President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his “disregard” of the issue during his recent US visit and meeting with President Donald Trump on July 22.

Instead of focusing solely on overseas remittances, ISAC urged the Philippine government to ensure legal support and protection for Filipino migrants facing abuse abroad, and to hold foreign powers accountable for violations of their rights.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, on July 19, issued an advisory warning Filipinos that US laws strictly prohibit possession, viewing, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. It also reminded those who feel wrongly accused that they may seek legal redress.

ISAC called on the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs to launch a formal diplomatic protest and extend legal and welfare assistance to the seafarers. It also reminded both governments and the cruise industry to uphold international labor conventions that protect seafarers’ rights.

“Seafarers are not criminals,” ISAC said. “They are essential workers who deserve dignity, legal protection, and justice.” /jpv

(2025/07/24-13:29)

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