A joint federal operation at U.S. cruise ports has led to the arrest or removal of 11 cruise ship crew members linked to child exploitation offenses, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Led by CBP’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Human Trafficking Unit, the coordinated efforts involved Port Canaveral, Port of Galveston, and other major cruise ports.
One Crew Member Arrested
One crew member was arrested after agents reportedly discovered illicit content, while ten others were deported from the U.S. following investigations.
In the multi-agency sweep, CBP worked alongside Homeland Security Investigations, TSA, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and local law enforcement.
The names of the ships were not mentioned in the memo.
Officials say the operation’s goal was to increase passenger safety, particularly for families sailing from U.S. ports.
The agency posted on Facebook and Instagram:
“Human Trafficking Unit (FLL-HTU) collaborated with the Port of Galveston in Texas and Port Canaveral in Florida in an operation that caught 11 cruise ship crew members involved in child sexual exploitation. One arrest was made after disturbing content was found, while ten others were removed from the U.S. following investigations.
Keeping Law Enforcement Busy
This enforcement action follows a string of similar cases in recent years.
A broadcast tech on Norwegian Bliss was arrested earlier this year for transmitting illicit material.
In July 2024, three Carnival Cruise Line employees were indicted in New Orleans for possession of child sexual abuse material at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal.
In another case, a Celebrity Cruises kids’ club staff member was arrested and charged with inappropriately touching children on the Celebrity Silhouette.
Speaking on the recent arrest, a commenter on Facebook said: “Eleven off the street is better than zero. Here’s to more of these operations taking place!”
While another chimed in: “Why don’t they show their faces so we know who they are!!!”
Authorities stress that these incidents, while serious, are not representative of the industry as a whole.
“This is about targeting individuals and ensuring the safety of passengers,” said one CBP official.
Passengers are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to onboard staff or contact the Homeland Security Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
