Immigration agents detain father of sailor serving on USS Abraham Lincoln
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U.S. immigration officials arrested Luis Manuel Aviles, a legal work permit holder, while his son serves on the USS Abraham Lincoln, highlighting ongoing enforcement of immigration laws affecting military families.
Luis Manuel Aviles, 48, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Key West, Florida, after leaving his home to drop his car at a mechanic. Aviles, a Nicaraguan native who has lived in the United States for 19 years and works as a handyman, holds a valid work permit, according to his wife, Argelia Aviles.
The arrest occurred as his son, Joshua Aviles, entered his ninth month aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which is deployed in the Middle East. Joshua has been working 12-hour shifts for more than 250 consecutive days.
"Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement, adding that the administration does not selectively enforce laws.
The detention comes amid broader scrutiny of immigration enforcement actions involving relatives of active-duty service members. Reports indicate that at least six family members of service personnel have been deported and one voluntarily left the United States, though the government does not maintain systematic records of such cases.
Military parole-in-place, a program that can grant legal status to certain spouses, children and parents of service members, does not apply to individuals who have overstayed visas or previously sought status at a border.
Joshua Aviles posted on social media that he learned of his father's detention while on the ship, describing the situation as emotionally difficult while he continues his deployment. His sister, Katherine Delgado, said she joined the military partly to improve their father's immigration prospects and has been sending care packages to the ship.
The Pentagon referred inquiries to the Navy, which has not responded to requests for comment. Defense officials have previously described conditions aboard the Lincoln as misrepresented.
Aviles remains in ICE custody while authorities consider removal proceedings.