**Father of USS Abraham Lincoln Sailor Detained by U.S. Immigration Authorities**
The father of a U.S. sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln has been taken into federal immigration detention, raising concerns about the impact of immigration policies on military families. Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, originally from Nicaragua, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol following a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida, according to a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Joshua Aviles, the sailor and son of the detained immigrant, shared the news on social media, expressing his distress over the situation. In his Facebook post, he revealed that he has been deployed for over nine months aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been stationed in the Middle East during ongoing tensions with Iran. "I just got a call that my dad was taken by ICE," he wrote, indicating that his father had been compliant with immigration regulations, holding a driver's license, social security card, and work permit.
Joshua Aviles explained that their family has been actively pursuing a green card for his father and was awaiting approval. "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," he added.
The DHS confirmed that Luis Manuel Aviles Roa entered the United States illegally and will remain in detention pending removal proceedings. The agency stated, "Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws." This statement reflects the administration's strict stance on immigration enforcement, which has been a focal point of President Donald Trump’s policy agenda aimed at enhancing national security.
The USS Abraham Lincoln recently concluded a deployment in the Middle East, having set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea without a port call, lasting over 200 days. This extended deployment has raised concerns among lawmakers and families of sailors regarding the conditions aboard the carrier. Democratic lawmakers have called for answers as families have reported worsening conditions for their loved ones serving on the ship.
Rights groups have criticized the current immigration policies, arguing that they infringe upon free speech and due process rights, particularly for ethnic minorities. There are ongoing concerns about racial profiling and the potential for creating an unsafe environment for these communities.
The situation highlights the complex intersection of military service and immigration status, drawing attention to the challenges faced by immigrant families in the U.S. As Joshua Aviles continues his service, the uncertainty surrounding his father's immigration status adds an emotional burden to his military commitment.