Passenger Arrested on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas at PortMiami – 17 February 2026

On 17 February 2026, a 29-year-old Israeli national was arrested by U.S. law enforcement at PortMiami following the completion of a Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas. The arrest occurred during routine passenger disembarkation after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered illicit material on the suspect's mobile phone during a border inspection.

The operation was conducted through cooperation between CBP and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, acting on prior intelligence regarding suspicious activity linked to the purchase of child sexual abuse material. The suspect was taken into custody and held pending possible federal prosecution or immigration removal proceedings.

CBP officers boarded Freedom of the Seas and conducted a border search of the suspect's mobile phone as passengers disembarked. Officers located a video depicting the sexual assault of a young child. After being advised of his legal rights and questioned onboard, the individual acknowledged possession of the material. He was then taken into custody and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Facility.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable.

The suspect was held on a U.S. $2,500 bond. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed an immigration hold pending possible prosecution or removal proceedings. Authorities have not disclosed whether federal charges will be filed at the time of this report.

The operation was conducted through cooperation between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Officials noted that such inspections form part of standard enforcement and screening procedures at major maritime entry points.