US Ambassador to Manila to Review Filipino Seafarers’ Complaints
MANILA, Philippines — The complaints of Filipino seafarers involving America’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have drawn the attention of the United States Ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, sources said. The key four-word phrase Filipino seafarers’ complaints prompt Ambassador Carlson’s commitment to study these concerns.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate committee on migrant workers, revealed that during a recent dinner meeting, the ambassador pledged to look into the issues raised by the Filipino crew members. Officials reported that the dialogue stemmed from the seafarers’ grievances over their treatment by US immigration authorities.
Details of the Incident with US Immigration
According to community members present at an August 13 Senate hearing, ICE officers boarded a vessel docked at a US territory and examined the mobile phones of Filipino crew members individually. The officers were searching for possible child pornographic content, but none was found, local leaders noted.
Despite the absence of incriminating material, the seafarers were denied entry. Some were allegedly detained before being deported, prompting concern among migrant worker advocates. One seafarer shared during the hearing that he was stopped at the airport after a video showing him kissing his three-year-old son was mistakenly classified by US authorities as child pornography.
Ambassador Carlson’s Response and Assurances
Sources close to the senator’s office reported that Ambassador Carlson acknowledged that US Immigration officials, while authorized to conduct inspections at entry points, can make mistakes. She assured that she would carefully examine the Filipino seafarers’ complaints to ensure fairness.
Senator Tulfo emphasized to the ambassador that US authorities should have presented clear evidence if child pornographic material had been found before taking adverse actions against the seafarers. “Ambassador Carlson assured that she would study the complaints of the Filipino seafarers,” officials quoted.
Stricter US Entry Policies and Their Impact
The ambassador also explained that immigration entry standards became significantly more stringent under the administration of former US President Donald Trump. However, she clarified that these policies apply equally to all nationalities and are not targeted specifically at Filipinos.
Meanwhile, Department of Migrant Workers chief Bernard Olalia pointed out that those accused of possessing child pornography were not randomly selected but were specifically identified by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It was noted that ICE and CBP operate under the US Department of Homeland Security.
Ongoing Dialogue and the Way Forward
The incident has sparked calls for a more transparent and evidence-based approach in handling Filipino seafarers at US ports of entry. Community members and migrant advocates urge collaboration between Philippine authorities and US agencies to protect the rights and dignity of Filipino workers abroad.
For more news and updates on Filipino seafarers’ complaints prompt, visit Filipinokami.com.
