I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest news, and folks, I’ve got to say, this one’s a doozy. The father of a US Navy sailor who’s been deployed in the Middle East for a record-breaking nine months was released from immigration detention, according to his family. I mean, can you imagine being away from your family for that long and then finding out your dad’s been thrown in the slammer? It’s just crazy.
So, Luis Manuel Aviles, 48, was arrested on Saturday after leaving his house to take his car to the mechanic. His wife, Argelia Aviles, said her husband has a permit to work in the United States and has lived here for 19 years. Originally from Nicaragua, he’s been a handyman in Key West, Florida. I’m thinking, what’s the deal with this guy getting arrested? He’s been here for almost two decades, and now he’s suddenly a threat?
Aviles’ arrest sparked intense backlash after The Associated Press reported that his son was entering his ninth month on the USS Abraham Lincoln with the Navy when his father was detained. The Lincoln is a vessel that set a US military record for uninterrupted time at sea and raised concerns about supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among soldiers. I’m no expert, but it seems like the Navy’s got some serious issues to deal with, and arresting the family members of enlisted soldiers isn’t exactly helping.
The Department of Homeland Security didn’t offer immediate comment on Monday or Tuesday to clarify why Luis Manuel Aviles was arrested and subsequently released. I’m not surprised, though. It’s not like they’re going to come out and say, “Hey, we messed up.” Margaret Stock, an immigration attorney for military families, called the rapid succession of filed and dismissed charges “super unusual.” Yeah, no kidding.
Joshua Aviles, the son, said in a Facebook post on Saturday that he had been working 12-hour days without a break since the USS Lincoln left U.S. soil in November. The U.S. Navy confirmed that Aviles is enlisted and serves aboard the USS Lincoln, where his physically demanding duties include moving aircraft on the ship. I can only imagine how tough that must be, and now his family’s going through this ordeal.
The vessel is being relieved by another ship so it can return to the US. I’m sure the crew is ready to get back home and get some well-deserved rest. As for Luis Manuel Aviles, I hope he can put this ordeal behind him and get back to his life. It’s just another example of how messed up our immigration system is. Anyway, that’s my two cents on this story. I’m going to go refill my coffee cup and try to make sense of it all – good luck with that, right?
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
