Several employees working aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship were among dozens of cruise workers detained during a major federal investigation into child sexual exploitation materials at the Port of San Diego, authorities confirmed this week.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agents boarded eight cruise ships between April 23 and April 27 as part of a multi-agency operation targeting the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Officials said 28 crew members from multiple countries were interviewed, and 27 were found to be involved in the “receipt, possession, transportation, distribution, or viewing” of the illegal content.
Federal officials said the workers included individuals from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Portugal. Their visas were revoked, and they are reportedly being deported back to their home countries. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects or disclosed how many of those detained specifically worked for Disney.
In a statement, Disney said the company fully cooperated with investigators and emphasized its “zero-tolerance policy” regarding such behavior. The company also confirmed that any workers connected to its cruise operations who were implicated are no longer employed.
Passengers aboard the Disney Magic reportedly witnessed some of the arrests as crew members were escorted off the vessel in handcuffs while still wearing their uniforms. One passenger described the scene as “really unsettling” after recognizing one of the detained employees who had served guests during the voyage.
The operation has also sparked criticism and concern from immigrant rights advocates, including members of Unión del Barrio, who questioned whether the workers received proper due process protections during the federal enforcement action. The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles additionally expressed concern over the detention and deportation of Filipino seafarers involved in the case.
CBP has stated that criminal charges are not required for visa revocation in cases involving suspected violations tied to child exploitation materials. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the broader investigation.
