ICE Releases Father of U.S. Navy Sailor Amid Immigration Controversy

Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, the father of a U.S. Navy sailor serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on Tuesday. His release follows a significant public outcry after his son, Joshua Aviles, described the situation as «heartbreaking» in a social media post.

Aviles Roa, originally from Nicaragua, was apprehended by federal immigration officials on Saturday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that he had entered the United States illegally. His arrest gained traction on social media, particularly after Joshua Aviles revealed that he learned of his father’s detention while serving his ninth month aboard the USS Lincoln, an aircraft carrier known for its record-breaking time at sea.

Impact on Military Families

Joshua Aviles expressed his distress over his father’s arrest, stating, «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.» He emphasized that his father’s only «crime» was seeking a better life for his family in the United States.

Katty Delgado, Aviles’ half-sister, confirmed to CBS News that ICE had released Aviles Roa, although the specific conditions of his release remain unclear. CBS News has reached out to DHS for further comments regarding the case.

Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement

The arrest of Aviles Roa highlights a troubling trend where military families are increasingly affected by the current administration’s strict immigration policies. Since the onset of President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration, there have been numerous reports of military spouses and parents being detained or deported.

Just a day before Aviles Roa’s release, ICE deported Cristy Maryori Villafranca-Trejo, the wife of active-duty U.S. Army Sgt. Hedar Leonel Turcios Juarez, back to Honduras. DHS indicated that Villafranca-Trejo had entered the U.S. illegally in 2016 and had «received due process» before her deportation.

The increasing frequency of such arrests raises concerns about the impact on service members and their families, who often face unique challenges while serving their country.