11 cruise ship workers arrested in Boston over alleged child sex abuse materials in "Operation Tidal Wave"

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Updated on: August 22, 2026 / 2:17 PM EDT

/ CBS Boston

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Federal agents boarded two cruise ships in Boston and arrested 11 foreign workers who are suspected of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, immigration authorities say.U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it conducted "Operation Tidal Wave" between Aug. 14 and 16. Border Patrol agents and investigators from the Department of Homeland Security boarded the cruise ships Volendam, which is operated by Holland America Line, and Norwegian Breakaway.Nine of those arrested are from the Philippines, one is from Indonesia, and the other is from Nicaragua. "Following a comprehensive search of the subjects' living quarters and electronic devices, and consultation with the U.S. Attorney's Office, all 11 individuals were processed for removal under Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for crimes involving moral turpitude," CBP said in a statement. "The individuals were processed with the assistance of the shipping agent and are scheduled to depart the United States."