Federal agents arrest 11 cruise workers during Boston ship operation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the workers were processed for removal after agents boarded Volendam and Norwegian Breakaway.
Federal agents arrested 11 foreign cruise ship workers in Boston on suspicion of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, according to immigration authorities.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Operation Tidal Wave took place from Aug. 14 through Aug. 16 aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam and Norwegian Breakaway. Border Patrol agents and U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators participated in the operation.
The agency said nine of the arrested workers were from the Philippines, while one was from Indonesia and another was from Nicaragua. Following searches of their living quarters and electronic devices and consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, CBP said all 11 were processed for removal under an Immigration and Nationality Act provision concerning crimes involving moral turpitude. They were scheduled to leave the United States with assistance from the shipping agent.
Holland America said it immediately terminated the people involved. Both Holland America and Norwegian said they were cooperating with law enforcement.
CBP said earlier Operation Tidal Wave actions in San Diego and Puerto Rico led to the arrests of 41 crew members from nine ships.