Father of US sailor on USS Abraham Lincoln detained by immigration officials in Florida
Federal immigration authorities in Florida have detained Luis Manuel Aviles Roa while his son Joshua Aviles completes a nine-month deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Detention in Key West
U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Luis Manuel Aviles Roa during a traffic stop in Key West, Florida, as he was driving his car to a mechanic. Aviles Roa, a 48-year-old native of Nicaragua who has lived in the United States for 19 years, works as a general handyman in the local area. His wife, 47-year-old Argelia Aviles, stated that he holds a valid work permit, a driver's license, and a Social Security card, and has been awaiting the outcome of a permanent residency application.
He only dedicates himself to work, so he can put food on the table. He is a good father. He loves his children with all his heart.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Aviles Roa entered the United States without inspection at an unknown date and place. A spokesperson stated that the agency applies statutes enacted by Congress without selective enforcement, confirming that Aviles Roa will remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody throughout deportation proceedings.
Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation's laws.
Reaction from aboard the carrier
Joshua Aviles, a sailor deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East during the conflict involving Iran, learned of his father's detention on Saturday. In a message posted from the ship, he explained that the family had submitted all necessary immigration paperwork for a green card and was awaiting final approval.
I've been deployed for over nine months, out at sea in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighting for a country that has given me everything.
The sailor described the emotional burden of working daily shifts exceeding 12 hours while knowing his father was held in federal custody and potentially treated as a criminal.
Scrutiny of protections for military families
The arrest takes place during an immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump that has narrowed protections for military relatives. Although the military parole-in-place policy previously protected undocumented family members of active-duty troops from deportation, enforcement actions have continued to target service households. An Associated Press investigation identified at least several dozen parents and spouses of active-duty personnel who have been placed in detention. The inquiry found that at least six relatives have been deported, while one left voluntarily. In one instance, the wife of an American service member was removed from a Brazil-bound deportation flight after spending more than a month in detention.
- USS Abraham Lincoln departs its home port of San Diego.
- The aircraft carrier makes its final port call before remaining at sea.
- The carrier leaves the Middle East as Luis Manuel Aviles Roa is detained in Key West.
- The Department of Homeland Security confirms the arrest and pending deportation.
Deployment conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed its home port in San Diego on 25 November and made its final port visit in December. The ship left the Middle East on Saturday after spending more than 200 consecutive days at sea, setting a modern-day record for continuous naval deployment without a port call. Relatives of the crew raised concerns over worsening living conditions, supply constraints, and mental health strain during the mission, prompting Democratic lawmakers to request official responses regarding crew welfare.
