Protest at Port of Baltimore Over Seafarer Deportations

The Port of Baltimore became the scene of a demonstration on September 14, 2025, as dozens gathered to condemn the deportation of Filipino seafarers. As we reported yesterday, the crew members, employed aboard a Carnival Cruise Line vessel, had been removed from their ship a week earlier, sparking outrage among Filipino communities and labor rights advocates.

The rally was organized by Tanggol Migrante, a Philippine-based alliance advocating for migrant workers, with support from Malaya Movement Baltimore, its local affiliate. They were joined by the Kabataan Alliance, a Filipino youth group, and Migrante USA, a network dedicated to overseas Filipino advocacy.

On September 7, four seafarers were taken off the Carnival Pride after being accused of ties to child pornography and questioned about possible drug links. Reports said they were handcuffed, searched, and detained for hours before being transported to the airport. There, they were fingerprinted, photographed, and placed on a flight to Manila.

Protesters argue the deportations were unjust and carried out without proper due process. Many voiced concerns over the long-term impact on the workers, from emotional trauma to financial instability, as well as the stigma of being accused without clear proof. Demonstrators also called for accountability from Carnival Cruise Line, U.S. immigration authorities, and Philippine officials, who have been criticized for offering little support.

Advocates warned that this case is not isolated. In recent months, Filipino seafarers have reportedly been removed from cruise ships at several U.S. ports under similar conditions. Labor groups fear a growing pattern in which workers are criminalized and deported without a chance to defend themselves.

Carnival Cruise Line has maintained that such removals are strictly handled by law enforcement, stressing that the company is obligated to comply fully with authorities. Immigration officials linked to the Baltimore case, however, have not specified which agency conducted the deportation or under what legal mandate it was executed.