Luis Manuel Aviles, the father of a U.S. Navy sailor deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, was released from immigration custody on Tuesday, his family confirmed.
ICE confirmed the release of Aviles, a 48-year-old handyman from Nicaragua who has lived in the U.S. for 19 years, after his arrest on Saturday during a traffic stop in Key West, Florida. The Department of Homeland Security stated Aviles had entered the country illegally, though his family disputes this claim.
Joshua Aviles, the sailor, posted on Facebook that his father had been freed, writing: “Luis has been released back to our family. We are grateful for all of the support for both Luis and Josh throughout this situation.”
The release follows widespread attention after Joshua Aviles, who has been deployed for nine consecutive months—a U.S. military record for uninterrupted time at sea—publicly described the arrest as “heartbreaking.” In a Facebook post, he stated his father possessed a driver’s license, Social Security card, and work permit, and had an active asylum case. The sailor added that his father’s “only ‘crime’ was coming to this country to give my siblings and me a better life.”
Family and advocates say Aviles complied with immigration requirements. His stepdaughter, Katty Delgado, told NBC News that he had a work permit, Social Security card, driver’s license, and had filed petitions for legal status. His son and another family member had also submitted immigration petitions on his behalf.
ICE and DHS have not provided details on the conditions of his release. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Aviles’ arrest on Saturday but did not immediately respond to requests for comment on his release. ICE similarly declined to comment.
The arrest occurred amid a broader crackdown on immigration enforcement targeting military families. Since President Trump’s administration reversed limits on ICE arrests of military spouses and parents, such cases have increased. Earlier this week, ICE deported the wife of an active-duty U.S. Army sergeant to Honduras, citing illegal entry in 2016.
Aviles’ case highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and military service. His son’s prolonged deployment has drawn attention to the mental health and supply challenges faced by sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has set records for uninterrupted time at sea. Joshua Aviles described the emotional toll of his father’s detention while he worked 12-hour shifts on the aircraft carrier.
Legal experts note that military families often face complex immigration hurdles. Some advocates argue that enforcement actions against family members of active-duty service members undermine morale and recruitment efforts. Others contend that immigration laws must be applied uniformly, regardless of military affiliation.
The Aviles family has requested privacy as they reunite. In their statement, they asked for “understanding and respect” while awaiting Joshua Aviles’ return from deployment.