ICE Detains Father of Sailor Serving on Beleaguered USS Lincoln
Sailor’s Father Detained by Immigration While Son Serves at Sea: What Happened and Why It Matters
The Big Picture in Simple Terms
Imagine working really hard at a job far away from home for nine months straight. You’re on a huge ship in the middle of the ocean, working 12+ hour days. Then you find out your dad—who has lived in the US for 20 years, has a job, a driver’s license, and a Social Security card—has been arrested by immigration officers while driving to a mechanic.
That’s exactly what happened to Joshua Aviles, a sailor on the USS Abraham Lincoln, and his father, Luis Manuel Aviles.
Who Is Involved?
The Family
- Luis Manuel Aviles – Father, originally from Nicaragua, living in Key West, Florida for about 20 years
- Joshua Aviles – Son, active-duty sailor deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for over 9 months
- Katty Delgado – Stepdaughter, speaking to media on behalf of the family
The Authorities
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – The government agency overseeing immigration enforcement
- Border Patrol – Arrested Luis during a traffic stop
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) – Currently holding Luis in custody
What Happened? A Timeline
- Saturday, ~11:00 AM ET – Luis Manuel Aviles is driving near a Publix supermarket in Key West, heading to a mechanic
- Traffic Stop – Border Patrol pulls him over and detains him
- Family Learns the News – Joshua posts about it on Facebook from the ship; Katty Delgado confirms details to NBC News
- Sunday – DHS releases official statement confirming the arrest
- Ongoing – Luis remains in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings; Joshua tries to get his father released from the ship
The Two Sides of the Story
What the Family Says
Important Points from the Family
- Luis has been in the US for ~20 years
- No criminal history or prior arrests (according to stepdaughter Katty)
- Has a work permit, Social Security card, and Florida driver’s license
- "He’s doing everything the right way" – Katty Delgado
- Joshua describes him as "hard-working, giving and humble"
What the Government Says
Important Points from DHS
- Luis entered the US illegally at an unknown date/location
- Arrested during a routine traffic stop by Border Patrol
- Will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings (deportation process)
- "Work authorization or a pending application do NOT confer legal status"
- "Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws"
- Military service by a relative does not automatically grant protection from deportation
The Bigger Context: Military Families and Immigration
The USS Abraham Lincoln Situation
- Left San Diego on November 25
- Spent almost 7 months in the Middle East (engaged in conflict with Iran)
- Broke Navy record for longest time without a port call (8+ months)
- Families report deteriorating conditions and low morale on board
- Officially left Middle East Saturday, heading home (journey takes a month+)
A Growing Pattern
According to an Associated Press investigation:
- 50+ parents and spouses of service members detained during Trump’s second term
- Includes arrests of:
- Children of service members
- Spouses of service members
- A San Diego Padres minor-league coach
- A grandmother from India who is a schoolteacher with a green card
- Backlash from military advocates and Democrats
- Programs exist to protect military families ("Parole in Place") but are discretionary and case-by-case
How the System Works (ELI5 Version)
Legal Status vs. Work Papers
Think of it like this:
- Legal Status = Official permission to live in the US (like a green card or citizenship)
- Work Permit/Social Security Card = Permission to work and pay taxes while your case is being decided
- Having work papers ≠ Having legal status – This is the key point DHS emphasizes
Military Family Protections
There is a program called "Parole in Place" that can protect immediate family of service members:
- Offered case-by-case (not automatic)
- Not guaranteed
- USCIS website says it’s discretionary
- Unclear if Luis applied or was in the program
Why This Story Matters
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Moral Question | Should a father be detained while his son fights overseas? |
| Policy Clarity | Confusion about what protections military families actually have |
| Human Impact | Joshua: "I don’t know how I can mentally continue working 12+ hour days knowing my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal" |
| Precedent | 50+ similar cases suggest a pattern, not an isolated incident |
| Legal Debate | What counts as "doing everything the right way" vs. "violating immigration laws"? |
Summary
Luis Manuel Aviles, a Nicaraguan immigrant living in Florida for ~20 years with work authorization and no criminal record, was detained by Border Patrol during a traffic stop. His son Joshua has been deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for over 9 months in the Middle East. The government says Luis entered illegally and faces deportation; the family says he’s built a life here legally. This case highlights a growing trend of military family members being detained despite existing (but discretionary) protection programs. The ship is now heading home after a record-breaking deployment.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Does having a son in the military protect a parent from deportation?
No, not automatically. There’s a program called "Parole in Place" that can help, but it’s decided case-by-case and isn’t guaranteed. DHS explicitly stated: "Military service by an immediate relative does not automatically grant parole, lawful status, or immunity from immigration enforcement."
If Luis has a work permit and Social Security card, isn’t he legal?
Not necessarily. Work permits and Social Security numbers are often issued to people while their immigration cases are pending (like asylum seekers). They allow you to work legally, but they don’t grant permanent legal status or citizenship. DHS confirmed: "Work authorization or a pending application do NOT confer legal status."
Why was he arrested during a traffic stop?
Border Patrol can stop vehicles near the border (Key West is in a Border Patrol zone). If they determine someone is in the US without legal status during a stop, they can detain them. This is standard enforcement procedure.
How many other military families has this happened to?
Over 50 parents and spouses of service members have been detained during the current administration, according to an Associated Press investigation. This includes spouses, children, and parents of active-duty troops and veterans.
What happens next for Luis and Joshua?
Luis faces removal proceedings (immigration court). Joshua is trying to get him released from the ship but has limited internet access. The USS Abraham Lincoln is heading home (1+ month journey). Joshua wrote: "I’m coming home, Dad."
Final Thought: This story sits at the intersection of immigration policy, military service, and family unity. While the law is clear on paper, the human reality is complex—especially when someone serves a country that may deport their parent.