The group Tanggol Migrante Movement held a protest on December 14 at the Baltimore Cruise Terminal to demand immediate action from Carnival Cruise Line regarding the condition of its seafarers. In recent months, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has conducted a series of detention, interrogation, and unjust deportation of Filipino seafarers working on its ships.

Braving the freezing weather, around 40 TMM members joined the protest. Baltimore city councilor Mark Parker was in the rally to give a statement.

The Trump regime has deported 183 Filipino seafarers so far. Most of them were detained while the ships they worked on were docked in Norfolk, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. The series of deportations, along with the company’s and the Philippine embassy’s and consulate’s inaction, terrified and demoralized the seafarers.

Since September, the group has distributed flyers almost every week near the Cruise Terminal to inform seafarers of their rights and how they can protect one another from the CBP.

According to TMM, instead of protecting its seafarers, Carnival allows the CBP to intimidate and coerce its workers into signing documents they do not understand.

The company has also absolved itself of accountability, claiming that it merely complies with and assists in the investigation and enforcement of the law.

TMM asserts that the company must protect its employees and establish policies for their safety. This includes providing translators, legal representatives, and access to contact the Philippine consulate whenever confronted by the CBP. The company must also end “voluntary” termination or deportation and release a clear operational protocol for CBP on all Carnival ships. Workers wrongfully accused must receive support and compensation, and employees must receive protection from discrimination and retaliation. An independent observer must also monitor the actions and activities of the CBP on the ships.

“The Filipino seafarers are the backbone of the cruise industry. Carnival earns billions from the labor of seafarers, especially during the holiday season. The least they can do is ensure that CBP does not abuse their employees,” TMM stated.