Carnival Cruise Line crew members have been detained on the Carnival Sunshine while the ship was docked in Norfolk, Va., according to the advocacy group Pilipino Workers Center and local media reports.
The detentions have been ongoing since April, with the most recent happening the morning of July 20, the group's executive director, Aquilina Soriano Versoza, told The Virginian-Pilot.
There have been 21 detentions thus far, and those detained have been accused of child pornography, she said.
"It's just a justification for deporting hardworking migrants," she said, according to the newspaper report.
In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line said, "This is a law enforcement matter that has been going on for several years across the cruise industry. Carnival always cooperates with law enforcement investigations. We also have active training and education programs to make sure our crew members follow internet safety guidelines."
The Pilipino Workers Center held a rally in Norfolk on July 20. CBS footage shows handmade signs, one reading "Shame on Carnival for not protecting crew."
According to The Virginian-Pilot report, Soriano Versoza asserts that the detained workers have not been charged with any crimes and that they all have work visas.
Crew members have also been removed from at last five cruise ships on the Great Lakes, according to cruise lines, crew members and passengers.
The ships affected there include the Viking Octantis, Victory Cruise Lines' two vessels and a Pearl Seas Cruises ship, the Pearl Mist.