Father of Sailor Aboard the USS Lincoln Detained by ICE

Joshua Aviles has been deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln for nine months. No port calls. Working 12-hour days somewhere in the Middle East. The ship broke a Navy record — the longest stretch at sea without a port stop in modern history.

His father was counting down the days until Joshua came home.

Luis Manuel Aviles had been in the United States for 20 years. He's from Nicaragua. He spent those two decades working as a handyman at Key West hotels, picking up other jobs when he could, providing for his family. His son Luisito says he taught him everything — electrical work, how to be a strong person. "He never hid," Luisito said. "He always did things the right way."

On Saturday morning, Luis was headed to a mechanic near a Publix in Key West when Border Patrol stopped his car and took him into custody.

His wife said: "He was very happy, counting the days and weeks until his son arrived so he could hug him. And then, this happened."

Joshua found out while he was at sea. He posted on Facebook: "I've been deployed for over nine months, out at sea in the Middle East aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, fighting for a country that has given me everything. I just got a call that my dad was taken by ICE."

He described his father as hard-working, giving, and humble. Luis had a work permit, a Social Security card, and a driver's license. The family says he had been complying with his paperwork and showing up to required ICE office visits, working toward legal status.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest. They said Luis entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date and location and would remain in ICE detention pending removal proceedings. On the question of his work permit and pending applications, DHS said those "do NOT confer legal status in the United States." Their statement on his son's military service: "Having a family member in the military is not a free pass to violate our nation's laws."

Joshua posted from the ship: "I love you with all my heart. Please stay strong. I'm coming home, Dad."

Luis Manuel Aviles is one of more than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty service members detained by immigration authorities during Trump's second term.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has left the Middle East and is headed home to San Diego. The trip could take a month or more.