USS Lincoln Sailor Fighting 'Two Battles' as ICE Detain Dad: Veterans Group

A U.S. service member, Joshua Aviles, is battling two conflicts while serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The first battle is against Iran, the second against immigration enforcement. Aviles' father, Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the carrier prepared to return home after a nine-month deployment.

Aviles' struggles come as veterans advocacy group Repatriate Our Patriots helps the family navigate the situation. They noted that Aviles is facing the challenge of maintaining his military duties while dealing with his father's immigration case. Repatriate Our Patriots president and CEO Danitza Garcia James explained that immigrant service members face the dual challenge of staying mission-ready and defending our country, and ensuring their families remain together.

The DHS confirmed that Aviles Roa, a Nicaraguan national, was arrested during a vehicle stop in Key West, Florida, on August 22. He had entered the U.S. illegally and was facing removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that military service by an immediate relative does not grant parole, lawful status, or immunity from immigration enforcement.

This case adds to a growing number of instances where military families are caught in the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. Over 50 parents and spouses of active-duty service members have been detained since 2025, with at least six deported and one self-deported. Aviles' stepsister, Katty Delgado, stated that Roa had been in the U.S. for about 20 years and was detained while on his way to a mechanic.

Repatriate Our Patriots president Garcia James emphasized that breaking promises made to service members affects morale and readiness, and the families are seeking fair and expedient processing of their applications.