Father of sailor on USS Abraham Lincoln released from immigration custody

Aug. 26 (UPI) — A Florida man arrested by immigration officials amid his son’s deployment on the beleaguered USS Abraham Lincoln has been released from custody, his family announced.

Luis Manuel Aviles Roa of Nicaragua returned home Tuesday, three days after his arrest during a traffic stop in Key West, Fla.

“Luis has been released back to our family,” read a Facebook post signed by the Aviles family. It was posted to the account of Joshua Aviles, his son.

“We are grateful for all of the support for both Luis and Josh throughout this situation. At this moment, our family is taking time to be together. While we await the return of our proud Navy sailor, we kindly ask for your understanding and respect.”

Joshua Aviles posted on Sunday about his father’s arrest by federal immigration officials. Luis Manuel Aviles Roa was placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the Saturday arrest and faced deportation proceedings. He has lived in the United States for nearly two decades and was waiting for approval for a green card, The Hill reported.

“I just got a call that my dad was taken by ICE,” Joshua Aviles wrote. “If you know my dad, you know he is a hardworking, humble man who is always willing to help anyone if he can.

“This is heartbreaking for me. 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.”

An immigration judge dismissed the case against Luis Manuel Aviles Roa on Monday.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, meanwhile, has been under an extended deployment to the Middle East and was en route back to the United States. The journey could take several weeks.