US Customs removes crew members from at least 2 cruise ships
A 'limited number' of crew working aboard Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I and Victory II vessels were removed at the Port of Detroit, according to Founder and Chairman John Waggoner.
'We are actively cooperating with federal authorities to clarify the circumstances, and my priority is always our crew and the experience for our guests,' Waggoner told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. 'We wish to thank federal, state and local representatives across the Great Lakes for their prompt and continued attention to this matter.'
Eight crew members were removed from Victory I on July 11, and five were removed from Victory II on July 9. The employees – who Victory hires primarily through third parties and have valid work visas – had been cleared to enter the U.S. to work aboard the ships, the line confirmed.
A CBP spokesperson told USA TODAY the agency is 'involved in an ongoing operation on the Great Lakes,' but could not provide further details. Travel Weekly reported that crew members were also removed from other ships operating in the region, including Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises vessels.
Viking did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Pearl Seas Cruises declined to comment.
The news comes as the Trump administration has cracked down on immigration and pursued mass deportations, as President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail. A mid-July Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 51% of Americans disapprove of the policies, while 41% approve.
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