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Father of deployed Navy sailor detained by Border Patrol in Key West, Florida

Aug 24, 2026·Location: Key West, FL

Country of origin: Nicaragua

Father of deployed Navy sailor detained by Border Patrol in Key West, Florida

Luis Manuel Aviles, 48, a Nicaraguan handyman who has lived in Key West, Florida for about 19-20 years, was arrested by Border Patrol agents while driving to a mechanic near a Publix supermarket. Family members say he holds a work permit, Social Security card, driver's license, and a pending asylum application, and has no criminal record. His son, Navy sailor Joshua Aviles, was over nine months into a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East, working 12-hour shifts including combat operations, and had been eagerly anticipating his father's presence upon returning home; he described the arrest as heartbreaking in an emotional Facebook post. His stepdaughter, Katty Delgado, said her half-brother has struggled to sleep and eat since, while his wife, Argelia Aviles, described him as devoted to his family, saying, "He dedicates himself only to work so he can put food on the table at home. He is a good father." DHS confirmed Aviles entered the country illegally and said having a family member in the military does not confer legal status or immunity from enforcement; he remains in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings. His case is among at least dozens identified by the AP involving parents and spouses of active-duty troops detained under the administration's immigration crackdown.

Timeline

Aug 24, 2026DHS confirms Aviles entered the country illegally and remains in custody pending removal proceedings
Aug 23, 2026Luis Manuel Aviles detained by Border Patrol agents while driving to a mechanic in Key West, Florida
Aug 23, 2026Son Joshua Aviles, deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, learns of father's arrest and posts emotional reaction on Facebook

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