26 Filipino Seafarers Deported After Arrest by US Authorities at San Diego Port

A total of 26 Filipino seafarers were reportedly deported back to the Philippines after being detained by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities at a port in San Diego, California. The incident happened during a federal operation involving several cruise ships docked in the area.

According to reports, the Filipino crew members were among several foreign seafarers taken into custody by US authorities while onboard cruise vessels. Witnesses said some crew members were handcuffed and escorted by federal agents before being transported in vans away from the port area. Passengers onboard reportedly expressed shock after seeing crew members suddenly removed from the ships during the operation.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles confirmed that several Filipino seafarers were affected and had already returned to the Philippines. The Consulate said it views the situation “with concern” and is continuing to coordinate with US authorities regarding the matter. However, no complete identities of the affected Filipino crew members were released publicly.

US authorities said the operation was part of a wider enforcement campaign involving multiple cruise ships between April 23 and April 27. Reports from US media stated that some individuals detained during the operation were allegedly linked to immigration and criminal investigations, including alleged possession of prohibited materials. Authorities also canceled the visas of several foreign crew members before deportation proceedings were carried out.