On September 14, a significant protest unfolded outside the Baltimore cruise terminal, drawing attention to the recent detention and deportation of four seafarers—three Filipinos and one Indonesian. These workers were accused of possessing child pornography during their ship’s previous port call in Baltimore on September 7. Advocacy groups have criticized the deportations, claiming the seafarers were not given an opportunity to defend themselves before being sent away.
Organized primarily by Filipino community groups and their allies, the protest occurred as passengers queued for the ship’s next departure. Demonstrators expressed their support for Filipino seafarers through flags and signs featuring messages such as “Defend Filipino Seafarers” and “Marcos: Don’t trade our livelihoods for U.S. military deals.” The Filipino maritime community, represented by Marino PH, highlighted that the detained crew members were also questioned about drug possession, allegations they denied.
The absence of a public response from immigration authorities—specifically, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)—further fueled the protesters’ concerns. The cruise line involved stated that it was cooperating with authorities and that arrests were outside their jurisdiction. Advocacy organizations like Migrante USA reported a troubling trend; over 100 Filipino seafarers have faced deportation from U.S. ports recently under similar accusations without substantial evidence.
The concerns surrounding these deportations extend beyond individual cases. Leaders from Migrante USA raised alarms about a pattern that potentially unfairly targets Filipino workers in the maritime industry. Advocacy groups argue that these actions violate workers’ rights and exacerbate poverty for returning seafarers. Various members of the Kabataan Alliance remarked that these deportations leave individuals vulnerable and helpless without proper recourse.
The Malaya Movement Baltimore condemned the actions as “heinous,” calling for the Philippine government to utilize diplomatic channels to protect its citizens, rather than allowing swift worker replacements without thorough investigations. Many seafarers attending the protest expressed their fear of wrongful dismissal and deportation without the chance to contest accusations.
Local activists, including the Rapid Response Network, denounced the deportations as unjust, emphasizing that migrant workers looking for stability should not be treated like criminals without concrete proof. The protesters vowed to maintain their advocacy efforts until the Philippine embassy articulates a robust response to these deportations, highlighting a growing demand for justice and protection for Filipino workers abroad.
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