Navy Sailor’s Father Arrested by Border Patrol in Key West; Family Expresses Distress

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents arrested Luis Manuel Aviles, 48, in Key West on Monday after he left his residence to take his vehicle to a repair shop. According to his wife, Argelia Aviles, her husband has been authorized to work in the United States and operates as a handyman in the Key West area, having immigrated from Nicaragua 19 years prior.

Federal authorities stated that a work permit does not establish lawful immigration status and indicated Aviles entered the country illegally in 2006. His son, Joshua Aviles, who serves aboard the USS Lincoln currently deployed in the Middle East for nine months, announced the arrest on Facebook, describing his father as a dedicated and humble individual and expressing his heartbreak over the situation.

Luis Aviles Jr., the arrested man’s younger son, told reporters Monday that the family is struggling with the circumstances. He defended his father’s character, stating he is a good parent who does not merit such treatment despite acknowledging military service does not exempt families from legal compliance.

A Department of Homeland Security official reinforced that the Trump administration enforces immigration laws uniformly without exception. The official noted that while a “parole in place” military program exists to help family members achieve legal status, eligibility is limited and approval is not guaranteed for all applicants.