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US Detains Father of Marine Serving in Middle East; Marine Says 'Breaks My Heart'
🇲🇽 Mexico /Crime & Justice

US Detains Father of Marine Serving in Middle East; Marine Says 'Breaks My Heart'

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • U.S. immigration authorities arrested the father of a Nicaraguan marine serving on a U.S. aircraft carrier.
  • The marine's father was detained after entering the U.S. illegally, with officials stating military service does not grant immunity from immigration laws.
  • The marine expressed heartbreak over his father's detention, highlighting the emotional toll on his family while he serves abroad.

U.S. immigration authorities have arrested the father of a Nicaraguan marine who is currently deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier that supported operations in the war against Iran.

Having a family member in the Army is not a free pass to violate the laws of our nation. The military service of a direct relative does not automatically grant permission to stay ('parole'), legal status, or immunity from immigration law enforcement.

— DHS spokespersonExplaining the U.S. government's stance on enforcing immigration laws, even for relatives of service members.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Border Patrol apprehended Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, identified as an illegal immigrant from Nicaragua, on Saturday. The arrest occurred during a transit stop in Key West, Florida, after Aviles Roa had entered the country illegally at an unknown time and location. A DHS spokesperson stated that having a family member in the military does not provide a free pass to violate U.S. laws, nor does it automatically grant parole, legal status, or immunity from immigration enforcement.

The marine's son, Joshua Aviles, took to Facebook to express his distress, stating he learned of his father's apprehension shortly after being informed about his own deployment. "I have been deployed for over nine months, at sea in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighting for a country that has given me everything. I just received a call informing me that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) arrested my dad," he wrote. Joshua Aviles added that his father possessed a driver's license, social security, a work permit, and was awaiting the acceptance of his green card application.

I have been deployed for over nine months, at sea in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighting for a country that has given me everything. I just received a call informing me that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) arrested my dad.

— Joshua AvilesDescribing his shock and distress upon learning of his father's arrest while he is serving abroad.

This incident occurs amidst broader controversy surrounding the USS Lincoln's deployment, with families of marines reporting issues with supplies, water contamination, and declining crew mental health. While U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth dismissed these reports as "completely distorted," U.S. Central Command confirmed the USS George Washington carrier strike group was en route to the Middle East to relieve the Abraham Lincoln. Joshua Aviles conveyed his anguish, saying, "This breaks my heart. I don't know how I can continue working more than 12 hours a day mentally knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal."

This breaks my heart. I don't know how I can continue working more than 12 hours a day mentally knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal.

— Joshua AvilesExpressing the emotional impact of his father's detention on his ability to perform his military duties.

The DHS spokesperson reiterated that Aviles Roa will remain in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings, emphasizing that the department is simply enforcing laws passed by Congress. This action follows reports from Democratic senators in August detailing ICE's attempts to deport hundreds of veterans and their families during Donald Trump's presidency.

The department is simply enforcing laws approved by Congress, as 'this administration does not choose which laws to apply and which not to.'

— DHS spokespersonReiterating the agency's commitment to enforcing all congressional laws.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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