Immigrant Father of USS Abraham Lincoln Sailor Detained in Florida

Luis Manuel Aviles, an immigrant and father of a sailor on the USS Abraham Lincoln, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities during a traffic stop in Key West, Florida, officials confirmed on August 22, 2026.

The Department of Homeland Security said Aviles entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown time and location and is now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending removal proceedings.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the Middle East for over nine months, is currently returning to the U.S. after setting a modern record for consecutive days at sea without a port call.

Joshua Aviles, the sailor aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and son of Luis Manuel Aviles, posted on Facebook about his father's detention.

"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," Joshua Aviles wrote.

He described his father as hardworking, humble, and always willing to help others, adding that his father holds a work permit, Social Security card, and driver's license.

"This is heartbreaking for me," Joshua Aviles said. "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."

Katty Delgado, Joshua's half-sister, said Aviles has lived in the U.S. for about 20 years and has a pending application for legal status.

Delgado added that Aviles was arrested near a supermarket on his way to a mechanic and that communication with Joshua has been limited due to his deployment.

"His mind is focused now on 'Where is my dad? And how is he doing?'" she said.

The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that having a family member in the military does not exempt someone from immigration enforcement.

"We are simply enforcing the laws passed by Congress. This Administration does not pick and choose which laws to enforce," a DHS spokesperson said.

President Donald Trump has supported a strict immigration crackdown targeting individuals in the U.S. illegally, including family members of military personnel, which has drawn criticism from rights groups.

The USS Abraham Lincoln crew and their families have recently raised concerns about deteriorating conditions and morale during the carrier's extended deployment.

The Navy confirmed that the aircraft carrier has left the Middle East and is en route to the West Coast, a journey expected to take several weeks.