Myanmar Deports Five Foreign Nationals Over Telecom Fraud Amid Broader Crackdown

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has detained and deported at least 18 Filipino crew members from the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship despite their holding valid 10-year U.S. visas, sparking outrage among Filipino American advocacy groups who denounce the actions as unjust and harmful to families. CBP cited alleged violations related to child pornography found on the seafarers' phones, though some crew members, including Marcelo Morales, have denied these accusations and described mistreatment, including racial discrimination and harsh conditions during detention. The Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines is verifying these reports amid growing concern over the rights and treatment of foreign cruise ship workers, who have faced repeated CBP boardings and removals at U.S. ports. This incident reflects a broader pattern of deportations of foreign maritime workers despite valid documentation, prompting calls for accountability from CBP, cruise corporations, and diplomatic entities. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities have also removed crew members from other cruise ships on the Great Lakes, but those workers reportedly had valid work visas and clearance to work in the U.S. Separately, Myanmar has intensified efforts to combat telecom fraud and illegal online activities, repatriating thousands of foreign nationals involved in scams and unlawful gambling, indicating a global focus on addressing cross-border criminal enterprises.