Eleven foreign nationals working aboard cruise ships docked in Boston were arrested and processed for removal from the United States following an investigation into alleged involvement with child sexual abuse and exploitation material, US Customs and Border Protection said.
The operation involved HSI Boston, HSI Fort Lauderdale, the CBP Fort Lauderdale Human Trafficking Unit, agents assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and other law enforcement partners. The enforcement action, conducted from August 14 to 16, involved officers from CBP and agents from Homeland Security Investigations, according to a CBP release issued August 20. CBP said officers searched the individuals’ living quarters and electronic devices and consulted with the US Attorney’s Office before processing all 11 for removal under Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which covers certain crimes involving moral turpitude.
CBP Acting Director of Field Operations for the Boston Field Office Julio Caravia said protecting children from exploitation remained a priority and described the operation as an example of coordination between border authorities and law enforcement agencies. HSI New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming said authorities would continue to pursue people found to possess or transport child sexual abuse material.
