The U.S. Navy sailor Joshua Aviles has been serving on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East for over nine months setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea. Meanwhile, his father, Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, was detained by ICE in Key West, Florida, leaving the family in distress.
Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, originally from Nicaragua, has lived in the United States for 19 years and works as a handyman in Key West. His wife, Argelia Aviles, described him as a dedicated family man who works long hours to support his family. The detention has raised questions about the treatment of military families under current immigration policies.
The Emotional Toll on the Aviles Family
Joshua Aviles expressed his heartbreak in a Facebook post stating that he has been working 12-hour shifts for more than 250 days without a break. The news of his father’s detention has added immense emotional strain to his already challenging deployment.
“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 treated like a criminal,” Joshua Aviles wrote. His sister, Katherine Delgado, echoed his sentiments, highlighting the devastating impact on the family.
The Complexities of Military Service and Immigration
The case of the Aviles family underscores the complexities of military service and immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Luis Manuel Aviles Roa entered the U.S. illegally and will remain in detention pending removal proceedings. “Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation’s laws,” the DHS said.
Rights groups have criticized the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, citing violations of free speech and due process rights. The case has also raised concerns about the impact of prolonged deployments on service members and their families. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s record-long deployment has stirred concerns about supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among soldiers.
The Broader Context of Military Families and Immigration
The Aviles family’s situation is not isolated. At least six family members of active-duty U.S. troops have been deported, and one spouse self-deported, according to an investigation by the Associated Press. The government does not track these detentions, making it difficult to assess the full scope of the issue.
One of the military’s most advertised immigration benefits is “military parole-in-place,” which allows the spouses, children, and parents of active-duty service members and veterans to obtain legal immigration status from within the country. However, not everyone qualifies, and the process can be complex and lengthy.
The Pentagon referred all questions to the Navy, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously called conditions aboard the Lincoln “completely misrepresented.” As the USS Abraham Lincoln prepares to leave the Middle East, the Aviles family faces an uncertain future, highlighting the need for comprehensive immigration reform and support for military families.
