The father of a sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention, reuniting with his family after a weekend arrest in Key West, Florida. Luis Manuel Aviles, 47, was detained during a traffic stop on Saturday, prompting significant public concern and support.
His son, Joshua Aviles, a Navy handling airman deployed on the aircraft carrier for nine months, announced the news of his father’s release via social media. In a heartfelt statement, Joshua expressed gratitude for the support received during this challenging time, stating, “Luis has been released back to our family. We are grateful for all of the support for both Luis and Josh throughout this situation.”
Background of the Detention
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Luis Manuel Aviles was arrested after Border Patrol agents stopped him during a routine traffic check. DHS indicated that Aviles had entered the U.S. illegally at an unspecified time and location, leading to his detention by ICE.
Originally from Nicaragua, Aviles has lived in the U.S. for two decades, primarily working as a handyman in the hospitality sector. His family asserts that he has been compliant with immigration regulations, holding a work permit, a Social Security card, and an active asylum case. Joshua and another family member had previously filed immigration petitions to secure his legal status.
Community Response and ICE’s Stance
The arrest of Aviles occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement in Key West, where local organizations had reported an increase in ICE activity. Heather Slivko-Bathurst, director of the Key West Immigrant Support Network, noted a significant uptick in detentions, with 28 individuals reportedly detained within a 72-hour period. She emphasized that many of those detained had work authorizations and were following legal processes to remain in the country.
In response to inquiries about Aviles’ immigration status, DHS reiterated that having a family member in the military does not exempt individuals from immigration enforcement. Their statement clarified, “Military service by an immediate relative does not automatically grant parole, lawful status, or immunity from immigration enforcement.”
Impact on the Community
The immigrant population in Key West is substantial, with nearly a quarter of its 25,000 residents being foreign-born. Many of these individuals work in essential sectors such as hospitality, landscaping, and construction. The recent surge in ICE activity has instilled fear within the community, as highlighted by Slivko-Bathurst: “There is just this constant fear among everybody, because there’s not a single person in Key West that doesn’t know somebody who is an immigrant, whatever status they may have.”
Joshua Aviles had previously shared his distress over his father’s detention on social media, describing Luis as a hardworking and humble man. He expressed the emotional toll of his father’s situation, stating, “This is heartbreaking for me. I don’t know how I can mentally continue working 12+ hour days knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal.”
Conclusion
As the USS Abraham Lincoln continues its journey back to the West Coast, the family of Luis Manuel Aviles is relieved to have him back home. The incident has sparked discussions about immigration enforcement practices and their impact on families, particularly those with military connections.
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