Father of USS Lincoln Sailor Detained by ICE During Routine Traffic Stop

KEY WEST, Fla. — A Nicaraguan immigrant whose son is currently deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln was detained by federal immigration authorities last week, prompting concerns from military families and renewed scrutiny of enforcement policies affecting relatives of active‑duty service members.

Luis Manuel Aviles, a longtime Key West resident, was taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents after being stopped while driving to work early Tuesday morning. According to family members, Aviles has lived in the United States for nearly two decades, works as a handyman, and has no criminal record.

Agents seized his identification documents, including a driver’s license, Social Security card, and work permit. Immigration officials later confirmed that while Aviles possessed work authorization, he had no legal immigration status, and records indicate he originally entered the country without inspection.

Aviles’ son, Joshua, is a sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed for more than 200 days without a port call. The ship’s extended operations have already raised concerns about crew fatigue and morale. Joshua learned of his father’s detention while working a 12‑hour shift at sea.

“It’s heartbreaking,” he wrote in a message shared with friends. “I’m trying to stay focused out here, but I don’t know what’s happening to him.”

Immigration officials said Aviles will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. A spokesperson emphasized that military family connections do not exempt individuals from enforcement actions, though advocates argue the policy places unnecessary strain on service members during deployments.

The case has drawn attention from veterans’ groups, who say dozens of military families have faced similar situations in recent years. Aviles’ relatives are seeking legal assistance and urging authorities to consider humanitarian factors as the case moves forward.