Immigration authorities arrested Luis Manuel Aviles, a handyman with a work permit, in Key West, Florida, on Saturday, just weeks before his son was scheduled to return from a nearly nine-month deployment aboard the USS Lincoln. Aviles, originally from Nicaragua, has lived in the U.S. for 19 years and holds a permit to work in the country, according to his wife, Argelia Aviles.
The arrest occurred as Aviles was taking his car to a mechanic, his wife stated. His son, Joshua Aviles, a sailor on the USS Lincoln, has been deployed in the Middle East for more than 250 days, working 12-hour shifts. This deployment set a U.S. military record for uninterrupted time at sea, raising concerns about supply shortages and the mental well-being of service members.
Joshua Aviles learned of his father's detention on Saturday morning while still at sea. He expressed his distress in a Facebook post, writing that he did not know how he could mentally continue his demanding work knowing his father was being treated like a criminal. His sister, Katherine Delgado, added that Joshua joined the military partly in the hope that it would improve his father's chances of obtaining citizenship and living without fear of arrest.
According to Argelia Aviles, her husband was eagerly anticipating his son's return and had been distraught by the extended deployment. She said he was looking forward to hugging his son after their long separation.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Aviles' arrest, stating that he will remain in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings. A department statement indicated that having a family member in the military does not exempt individuals from immigration law enforcement, asserting that the administration enforces all laws without exception.
This incident highlights broader concerns about the Trump administration's immigration policies affecting military families. The administration has been rolling back immigration protections, leading to the detention of dozens of parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. troops. Reports indicate that at least six family members have been deported and one self-deported, though the government does not systematically track such detentions. One spouse facing deportation was removed from a flight to Brazil following media reporting on her case.