The detention of Luis Manuel Aviles, an immigrant from Nicaragua, has sparked significant concern and sadness among his family. Aviles was detained by immigration officials in Key West, Florida, around 11 a.m. ET on Saturday. His stepdaughter, Katty Delgado, informed NBC News about the incident, stating that Aviles has lived in the United States for approximately two decades and, to her knowledge, has no criminal record or history of arrest.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Aviles was apprehended by Border Patrol during a routine traffic stop. DHS revealed that Aviles had entered the United States illegally, with no specific details regarding the date and location. He is currently held in ICE custody as removal proceedings are underway. A DHS spokesperson emphasized that the agency is enforcing laws established by Congress, highlighting that the administration does not selectively apply these laws.
Delgado learned about Aviles’ detention from family members, including his wife and son, Joshua Aviles. Joshua, a sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, shared the situation on Facebook. The aircraft carrier is returning to the U.S. after an extended deployment to the Middle East, where it was involved in the conflict with Iran.
“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,” Joshua Aviles wrote on Facebook.
He described his father as hardworking, generous, and humble. He stated that Aviles possesses a work permit, Social Security card, and driver’s license, expressing heartbreak over his father’s treatment during detention.
“This is heartbreaking for me,” Joshua said. “I don’t know how I can mentally continue working 12+ hour days knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal.”
When asked about Aviles’ employment authorization and pending immigration status, DHS indicated that these do not grant legal status in the country.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding conditions on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. The aircraft carrier left San Diego on November 25, and it holds a Navy record for time without a port call since December. Despite reports about deteriorating morale and conditions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth challenged these claims as “completely misrepresented.” The Navy announced that the carrier has departed the Middle East and is heading towards the West Coast, a journey potentially taking weeks.
Joshua Aviles expressed his determination on social media to help secure his father’s release, saying, “I love you with all my heart. Please stay strong. I’m coming home, Dad.”
President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified immigration enforcement, leading to arrests involving family members of service members. This has generated backlash, especially considering programs that provide protection from deportation for immediate family of military personnel. However, these discretionary options are handled case-by-case by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Department of Homeland Security reiterated that having a family member in the military does not exempt one from immigration enforcement.
“Military service by an immediate relative does not automatically grant parole, lawful status, or immunity from immigration enforcement,” the DHS spokesperson explained.
Delgado lamented the impact on her stepbrother, who has served nine months at sea without family contact, stressing the injustice his father faces.