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A sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln recently received heartbreaking news during his extended deployment: his father was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier that has just concluded a grueling nine-month deployment, has been under scrutiny due to reports highlighting poor mental health among the crew and challenging onboard conditions.
Joshua Aviles, a U.S. Navy sailor serving on the ship, shared the difficult news on social media.
He described his father, Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, as “a hardworking, humble man who is always willing to help anyone.” Joshua expressed deep emotional pain, writing, “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.”
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Luis Aviles, originally from Nicaragua, was arrested during a traffic stop by Border Patrol agents in Key West, Florida. DHS stated that he had entered the United States illegally and is now in custody facing deportation proceedings.
While acknowledging that Luis has no criminal record, the department emphasized that having a family member in the military does not exempt someone from immigration laws. “We are simply enforcing the laws passed by Congress,” DHS said in a statement, adding that the administration does not selectively enforce laws.
Luis’s wife, Argelia Aviles, defended her husband, noting he holds a work permit and dedicates himself fully to supporting their family. “He is a good father. He loves his children with all his soul,” she said.
Joshua’s half-sister, Katty Delgado, provided further context, revealing that Luis was on his way to a mechanic when detained. She also shared that he has lived in the U.S. for about 20 years and has an ongoing immigration application.
Katty spoke about the emotional toll on Joshua, saying, “His mind is focused now on ‘Where is my dad? And how is he doing?’”
She added that while Joshua is expected to return home soon as the ship concludes its deployment in the Middle East, he will be coming back without his father.
Throughout his deployment, Joshua has worked demanding 12-hour shifts for over 250 days without a break aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The prolonged mission has raised concerns about its effects on the crew’s wellbeing, amid reports of limited supplies and increasing strain on the vessel.
Luis Aviles had eagerly anticipated his son’s return after months apart. According to Argelia, he was excited and looking forward to reuniting with Joshua after nine long months at sea.
This personal story highlights the complex challenges faced by military families, caught between service commitments and immigration enforcement actions.