U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deported 27 cruise ship workers for involvement with child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), authorities announced on May 11, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Between April 23 and April 27, CBP agents boarded eight cruise ships docked in San Diego to conduct inspections and interviews of crew members as part of the investigation [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. A total of 28 employees were interviewed; 27 were found to have received, possessed, transported, distributed, or viewed child sexual abuse material [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Among those deported, 26 were from the Philippines, one from Portugal, and one from Indonesia [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The employees worked for multiple cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line and Holland America [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Disney Cruise Line said that most of the deported individuals were not their employees and that those who were are no longer with the company. A spokesperson stated, "While the majority of these individuals were not from our cruise line, those who were are no longer with the company. We have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of behavior." [5].

Holland America confirmed some of their employees were involved and have since been terminated. A company spokesperson said, "We are deeply disturbed by the allegations and have terminated the employees involved." [5].

It is unclear whether the deported workers will face criminal prosecution in U.S. courts. A CBP source explained that "a criminal charge is not required for an individual to be found inadmissible or for their visa to be revoked; administrative thresholds for visa cancellations are distinct from criminal prosecution standards." [5]. CBP retains the authority to cancel visas and deport individuals based on these administrative standards without filing criminal charges.

CBP's inspections and interviews on eight cruise ships in San Diego over five days resulted in the deportations announced earlier this month [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The agency's action highlights enforcement efforts against exploitation linked to the cruise industry.

The investigation that began in late April culminated with the public announcement by CBP on May 11, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].