CBP reports 87 cruise crewmember removals in Operation Tidal Wave
The ongoing multiagency operation focuses on child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation material among foreign cruise ship crewmembers.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said its officers at the Port of Boston removed 87 foreign cruise ship crewmembers from the United States through Operation Tidal Wave. According to the agency, the continuing operation targets the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation material among cruise ship workers.
CBP said officers encountered six Philippine citizens aboard Breakaway on September 20. During secondary interviews, the six admitted to previously possessing child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation material, according to the agency. After searches of their living quarters and electronic devices, they were processed for removal under Immigration and Nationality Act provisions related to crimes involving moral turpitude.
An earlier phase in San Diego resulted in administrative enforcement actions involving 27 crewmembers from six vessels. A subsequent phase in San Juan, Puerto Rico, led to the removal of 14 crewmembers and approval of federal criminal prosecution in one case. CBP said Operation Tidal Wave remains ongoing.