NORFOLK, Va, July 20: At least 18 Filipino crew members were forcibly removed in handcuffs from the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship at the Port of Norfolk, Virginia, and deported to the Philippines, according to Filipino American advocacy groups. The individuals have also reportedly been barred from re-entering the United States for 10 years.

In a joint statement, the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) condemned the removals, describing them as part of an “alarming escalation of unjust immigration practices.”

The crew members held valid 10-year U.S. work visas and had not been charged with any crimes, the groups emphasized.

“These crew members are hardworking parents and spouses with clean records, having passed rigorous background checks to obtain their visas,” the statement read. “Their sudden removal, combined with the revocation of their visas and a decade-long re-entry ban, has brought not only humiliation but also financial devastation to their families.”

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed an active operation but did not release specific details, according to USA Today. Additional cruise lines, including Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises, have reportedly also been affected by similar actions.

The advocacy groups warned that remaining crew aboard the Carnival Sunshine now fear they could be next, as the ship is scheduled to return to Norfolk this Sunday.

“This incident reflects a broader national trend of workplace immigration raids targeting crew members with valid documents and no criminal background,” the groups said. “We are deeply concerned about the erosion of due process and the impact on these individuals and their families.”