Father of Navy Sailor Arrested by Border Patrol Amid Military Family Crackdown

Luis Manuel Aviles, a 48-year-old handyman from Nicaragua who has resided in the U.S. for 19 years and holds a work permit, was arrested by immigration authorities in Key West, Florida. His wife, Argelia Aviles, stated that her husband was taken into custody after leaving their home to take his car to a mechanic.

Aviles' arrest comes at a time when the Trump administration is reportedly rolling back immigration protections for military families as part of its deportation agenda. The AP has documented the detention of at least dozens of parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. troops, with at least six family members deported and one self-deported. The government does not maintain official records of these detentions.

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He dedicates himself only to work so he can put food on the table at home. He is a good father. He loves his children with all his soul.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Border Patrol agents arrested Luis Aviles on Saturday and that he will remain in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings. A statement from the department asserted, "Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation's laws," adding that the administration "does not pick and choose which laws to enforce."

Aviles' son, Joshua Aviles, is currently serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which recently set a record for uninterrupted time at sea during its deployment in the Middle East. The prolonged deployment has raised concerns about supply shortages, deteriorating mental health among service members, and the strain on the ship's equipment. Joshua Aviles has reportedly been working 12-hour shifts for over 250 days without a break. His father's arrest highlights the complex intersection of military service and immigration policy, particularly for families with loved ones serving in the U.S. armed forces.

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Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation's laws.