Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Sailor Says Father Detained by ICE During West Asia Deployment
A U.S. sailor said immigration officers detained his father while the sailor was serving overseas.
The sailor, Joshua Aviles, is aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.
His father, Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, was arrested after a traffic stop in Key West, Florida.
Joshua said his father had identification documents and a work permit.
He also said the family was waiting for his father’s green card to be approved.
Joshua said the situation was making it difficult to keep working during his deployment.
The Department of Homeland Security gave a different account.
It said Aviles Roa entered the country illegally and would stay in detention while officials pursued his removal case.
Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, originally from Nicaragua, was arrested after a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida.
His son, Joshua Aviles, is deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.
Joshua Aviles said his father had a driver’s licence, Social Security card and work permit.
The family said it had completed the green-card process and was awaiting approval.
The Department of Homeland Security said Aviles Roa entered the United States illegally and would remain detained during removal proceedings.
- Who
- Luis Manuel Aviles Roa was detained; his son, Joshua Aviles, is a U.S. sailor serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- What
- Aviles Roa was arrested by Border Patrol and held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention.
- When
- The detention was reported on Sunday, August 23; Joshua said he had already been deployed for more than nine months.
- Where
- Aviles Roa was arrested in Key West, Florida, while Joshua was deployed in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- Why
- The Department of Homeland Security said Aviles Roa had entered the United States illegally and was subject to removal proceedings; his family said it was awaiting approval of his green card.
Family’s Account
Government’s Account
Immigration status
Family’s Account
Joshua Aviles said his father had a work permit and that the family had completed the immigration process for his green card, with approval still pending.
Government’s Account
The Department of Homeland Security said Luis Manuel Aviles Roa entered the United States illegally.
Effect on the sailor
Family’s Account
Aviles said the detention was heartbreaking and made it difficult to mentally continue working long hours while deployed.
Government’s Account
The DHS said having a family member in the military does not exempt someone from complying with U.S. immigration laws.
Detention and next steps
Family’s Account
The family expressed concern that Aviles Roa could be treated like a criminal while in detention.
Government’s Account
The DHS said he would remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention while removal proceedings were carried out.
- Detainee
- Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, originally from Nicaragua
- Son
- Joshua Aviles, a sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln
- Arrest location
- Key West, Florida
- Detaining agencies
- Border Patrol arrested Aviles Roa; Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding him
- Family’s account
- The family said Aviles Roa had a driver’s licence, Social Security card and work permit, and that his green-card application was pending
- DHS account
- The Department of Homeland Security said he entered the United States illegally
- Legal status
- DHS said he would remain in detention during removal proceedings