Key West, Florida — The father of a U.S. Navy sailor serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln has been detained by immigration authorities while his son remains deployed overseas following more than nine months at sea.
U.S. Border Patrol arrested Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, a Nicaraguan immigrant who has lived in the United States for 19 years, during a vehicle stop Saturday. His family says he has a valid work permit, Social Security card and driver’s license and was awaiting approval of a green card application.
His son, Joshua Aviles, said he learned of the detention while serving aboard the aircraft carrier in the Middle East. “I’ve been deployed for over nine months,” he wrote, adding that his father’s detention has made it difficult to remain focused while working 12-hour shifts.
The Department of Homeland Security said Aviles Roa entered the country illegally and remains in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending removal proceedings. DHS said having a relative serving in the military does not exempt someone from immigration law.
The Associated Press reported that Aviles Roa has no criminal record and was arrested while taking his vehicle to a mechanic. His family said Joshua joined the military partly because he believed his service might help his father obtain legal status.
The USS Abraham Lincoln recently completed more than 200 consecutive days at sea before leaving the Middle East.
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