U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained several crew members from Disney's Magic cruise ship at the Port of San Diego on April 23, according to multiple reports. Witness Dharmi Mehta described seeing a head waiter, with whom her family had become close, being led away in zip-ties while still in his Disney uniform.
Details of the Detentions
Immigrant rights groups reported that at least 10 crew members were detained from the Disney ship and four from Holland America's MV Zandaam on April 25. The detentions occurred as passengers looked on, causing distress among families and crew alike.
Witness Accounts
Mehta, who was on the cruise with her family, said the head waiter was a friendly and familiar face. 'He was just doing his job, and then suddenly they took him away in front of everyone. It was shocking,' she told reporters.
Reactions and Calls for Transparency
Activists at a news conference called for greater transparency from federal agents and urged cruise lines to enhance protection for their employees. They argued that detaining staff in uniform while they are working creates unnecessary trauma and humiliation.
The Port of San Diego stated its Harbor Police Department was not involved in the operation. It clarified that immigration enforcement at the federal port of entry falls under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) jurisdiction.
Broader Context
This incident follows a pattern of increased immigration enforcement at ports and transportation hubs. Critics argue that such actions harm the tourism industry and create a climate of fear among essential workers.
Disney Cruise Line has not commented on the detentions. Holland America Line also declined to provide details, citing privacy concerns for its employees.
