Jose “Joey” Martinez, a Phoenix resident and U.S. citizen, was taken into custody in the early hours of January 5, 2026, while his Caribbean cruise was docked in Miami, just hours before passengers were scheduled to disembark. According to Cruise Hive, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered Martinez’ cabin around 6:45 a.m., while the couple was still asleep. He was handcuffed and swiftly removed from the ship for questioning.


“[The door] burst open. Three men came in with flashlights, shining them in our faces and giving us commands. They ordered me out of bed and put me against the wall and handcuffed me. I had no idea what was going on. I was asking what this was about; it was a flurry of just confusion,” Martinez told Phoenix’ 12News.

“We were both half-dressed. I started filming, and that's when they called a female agent in because they realized I wasn't dressed,” his wife, Tamara Verhas, told journalists. “She saw me filming and jumped on top of me to get my phone. I pushed her away, and she jumped on me again and snatched it from my hand.”

Martinez, who served seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard, was taken to a holding cell at the port for roughly 90 minutes while agents worked to verify his identity, Arizona’s ABC15 reported. Martinez explained to reporters that he repeatedly offered to provide proof of his citizenship and military service.