USA– At least 18 Filipino cruise ship workers from the Carnival Sunshine were recently deported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Norfolk, Virginia, according to multiple news outlets. The crew members were reportedly removed from the cruise ship in handcuffs and immediately deported to the Philippines—walang abiso at walang abogado.
Reports indicated that the workers were not informed of the reasons behind their deportation. Later sources claimed that CBP accused the men of possessing child pornography. However, no arrests were made, no formal charges were filed, and no affidavits were presented to justify these serious allegations. The deported crew members have denied all accusations.
At Kapwa Justice, we strongly condemn any form of exploitation or abuse, especially involving minors. But we equally believe that every person—lalo na ang ating mga kababayan—deserves due process, legal representation, and protection under the law.
No one should be forcibly deported based on unproven claims without the chance to defend themselves. Hindi ito hustisya. Hindi ito makatao. We urge federal authorities to uphold the rights of Filipino migrant workers and treat them with the dignity and fairness they deserve.
Kapwa tayo. Ipaglaban natin ang karapatan ng ating mga kababayan.