When Luis Manuel Aviles was taken into custody by immigration officials, his son was in his ninth month aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln with the Navy. The vessel made history with its long deployment, leading to worries about supply shortages and the mental health of its crew.

Luis Manuel Aviles, 48, was detained after leaving his home in Key West, Florida, to take his car for repairs, according to his wife, Argelia Aviles. Aviles has lived in the U.S. for 19 years and works as a handyman with a valid work permit. Originally from Nicaragua, his commitment to providing for his family was emphasized by his wife, Argelia, 47. “He is dedicated to working hard to support us. He loves his children deeply,” she said.

The family faces challenges under the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have targeted military families. At least dozens of parents and spouses of U.S. military personnel have been detained, with some cases leading to deportation or self-deportation. These actions occur despite the “military parole-in-place” policy that offers legal immigration status to some military family members in the country. However, not all are eligible, especially those who overstayed their visas or applied for status at the border.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Border Patrol agents apprehended Luis Aviles in Key West. He remains in ICE custody as deportation proceedings continue. The department stressed that having a family member in the military doesn’t exempt individuals from legal responsibilities.

Joshua Aviles, Luis’s son, posted on Facebook about his exhaustive 12-hour work schedule aboard the USS Lincoln and expressed distress over his father’s detention. “I am fighting for a country that gave me everything,” Joshua wrote, reflecting on his father’s situation and his working conditions.

Katherine Delgado, Joshua’s sister, shared that Joshua enlisted in hopes of aiding his father’s path to citizenship. She described the emotional toll, noting the distance from her brother, whom she considers her “best friend.” Despite her efforts to support him with care packages, aiming to supplement shortages he faced, some resources failed to reach him.

The prolonged deployment proved difficult for Luis Aviles, who awaited his son’s return eagerly. His wife indicated his growing impatience after six months without seeing Joshua. “He was excited to embrace his son again,” she remarked, emphasizing the void left by the ongoing separation.