Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Navy Sailor’s Father Released After U.S. Immigration Detention
Luis Manuel Aviles Roa is a Nicaraguan immigrant who was detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Florida.
His son, Joshua, is a U.S. Navy sailor serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Joshua said he was worried about his father while working long days at sea.
He said his father had several identification and work documents.
The Department of Homeland Security said Luis had entered the United States illegally.
The agency said he would stay detained while removal proceedings took place.
Three days after Joshua spoke publicly, the family said Luis had been released.
The government did not explain why his status changed.
Luis Manuel Aviles Roa was detained after a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida, while his son served aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
His son, Joshua Aviles, said his father had a driver’s license, Social Security card and work permit while awaiting a green card.
The Department of Homeland Security said Aviles Roa had entered the United States illegally and would face removal proceedings.
Joshua Aviles publicly described the emotional strain of serving at sea while his father was detained.
Aviles Roa was released back to his family three days after his son’s public appeal, but officials gave no explanation for the change.
- Who
- Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, his son Joshua Aviles, U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security.
- What
- A Nicaraguan immigrant detained during his son’s Navy deployment was released back to his family.
- When
- He was released on Tuesday, three days after Joshua Aviles publicly discussed the detention.
- Where
- Aviles Roa was arrested after a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida; his son was deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.
- Why
- The DHS said Aviles Roa had entered the United States illegally, while his family said he possessed several documents and was awaiting a green card.
Family’s Account
Government’s Account
Immigration status and documents
Family’s Account
The family said Luis Manuel Aviles Roa had a driver’s license, Social Security card and work permit and was waiting for permanent legal residency.
Government’s Account
The Department of Homeland Security said he had entered the United States illegally and would remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention pending removal proceedings.
Military service and detention
Family’s Account
Joshua Aviles said it was heartbreaking to serve the United States at sea while his father was detained and possibly treated like a criminal.
Government’s Account
The DHS said having a family member in the military was not a free pass to violate U.S. laws.
- Detainee
- Luis Manuel Aviles Roa
- Son
- Joshua Aviles, a U.S. Navy sailor
- Detention location
- Key West, Florida
- Military deployment
- Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East
- Family’s account
- Aviles Roa had a driver’s license, Social Security card and work permit and was awaiting a green card.
- Government’s account
- The Department of Homeland Security said he had entered the United States illegally and faced removal proceedings.
- Outcome
- The family said he was released back to them on Tuesday.