Detention Details
Luis Manuel Aviles, a Nicaraguan national, was detained by U.S. immigration officials in Key West, Florida, on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET following a traffic stop. The Border Patrol announced that Aviles entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location and will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the arrest was part of enforcement of laws passed by Congress, stating that the administration does not “pick and choose” which laws to enforce.
Aviles is reported to have lived in the U.S. for roughly 20 years. His stepdaughter, Katty Delgado, told NBC News that she has no knowledge of any arrest history or criminal allegations against him and that he has been “doing everything the right way.” Delgado also said that Aviles holds a work permit, a Social Security card and a driver’s license, but a DHS spokesperson clarified that work authorization or a pending application does not confer legal status in the United States.
Family Response
Aviles’ son, Joshua Aviles, posted a note on Facebook that his father had been detained. Joshua, who is aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, wrote that he has been deployed for over nine months in the Middle East and that he “doesn’t know how I can mentally continue working 12+ hour days knowing that my dad is somewhere, possibly being treated like a criminal.” He also expressed his love for his father and his desire to bring him home.
Delgado’s stepfather was arrested near a Publix supermarket as he was heading to a mechanic. Family members, including Aviles’ wife and son, posted updates on social media about the detention.
USS Abraham Lincoln Context
The USS Abraham Lincoln left its home port of San Diego on November 25 and, after more than eight months without a port call, broke the Navy record for time without a port visit. The ship has been on a prolonged deployment that included service in the Middle East amid the war with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that claims about deteriorating conditions and morale on board are “completely misrepresented.”
The Navy announced that the Lincoln has officially left the Middle East en route to the West Coast, a journey that could take a month or more. Joshua Aviles, who has limited internet access, has been trying to get his father released from detention.
Immigration Policy Implications
President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s immigration crackdown, including ICE’s expanded enforcement and arrests, which have included children and spouses of service members. An Associated Press investigation found that more than 50 parents and spouses of service members were detained during Trump’s second term. While programs exist that can offer immediate family protection from deportation on a case-by-case basis, it was not immediately clear whether Aviles was eligible for such a program. The DHS spokesperson reiterated that having a family member in the military does not automatically grant parole, lawful status, or immunity from immigration enforcement.
