Operation Tidal Wave in Boston Leads to 87 Cruise Ship Crew Removals by CBP for Child Sexual Exploitation Materials

BOSTON - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Boston have now removed 87 aliens from cruise ships as part of the ongoing "Operation Tidal Wave" initiative, a multi-agency effort targeting the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation material among cruise ship crewmembers. This milestone follows the most recent enforcement action on Sept. 20 where officers removed six additional crewmembers from the cruise ship Breakaway.

On Sept. 20, CBP officers encountered six citizens of the Philippines aboard the Breakaway. During secondary interviews at Boston Logan International Airport, all six subjects admitted to previously possessing CSEM/CSAM. Following comprehensive searches of their living quarters and electronic devices, all six were processed for removal of conditional landing under Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for crimes involving moral turpitude.

"The success of Operation Tidal Wave reflects the unwavering dedication of our officers and partners to protect the most vulnerable," said Acting Director of Field Operations Julio Caravia. "Let the removal of these 87 be a message to others: we will not accept this exploitation and CBP will not stop identifying and arresting the individuals who participate in it."

This mission builds upon the success of previous phases of Operation Tidal Wave conducted across the United States. Earlier this year, Phase 1 in San Diego (April) resulted in administrative enforcement actions against 27 crewmembers from six vessels, while Phase 2 in San Juan (June/July) led to the removal of 14 crewmembers and the acceptance of federal prosecution for one individual. In the Boston area, these efforts have been consistent throughout the summer, resulting in the removal of 87 crew members from various vessels since mid-August.

Operation Tidal Wave is a multiagency initiative led by the CBP Office of Field Operations Enforcement Operations Division, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The operation aims to identify and initiate enforcement actions against cruise ship crewmembers who, based on intelligence, are associated with the possession, use, procurement, production, or distribution of CSEM and CSAM.

The Area Port of Boston plans to continue this operational effort through the remainder of the fiscal year. This initiative demonstrates effective coordination among CBP field elements, targeting units, and HSI to address CSAM-related concerns within the cruise vessel crewmember population.

CBP remains committed to working with domestic and international partners to identify and interdict those who pose a threat to public safety and to prevent the exploitation of children. Under federal law, any involvement with CSEM is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties, including criminal prosecution, removal, and 10-year inadmissibility to the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 70,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration and trust.

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• Office of Field Operations