KEY WEST, Fla. — The father of a U.S. Navy sailor who was in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is coming home.

That’s according to the family of Luis Aviles.

His son, Josh Aviles, is in his ninth month being deployed onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.

From the ship, Aviles posted a family statement to social media, which said, in part:

“Luis has been released back to our family. We are grateful for all of the support for both Luis and Josh throughout this situation.”

It was Sunday in Key West when Luis Aviles, 48, was arrested by CBP agents after leaving his home to take his car to a mechanic.

Family members call him humble, with no criminal history and a work permit, but federal authorities tell Local 10 News Luis Aviles has been in the country illegally from Nicaragua for nearly 20 years.

Officials added that his son’s military service has no bearing on his status.

On Monday, Luis Aviles’ younger son, also named Luis, told Local 10 News that the situation was stressful for the family.

“We can’t do much about it. We’re trying our hardest, whatever we can do,” said Luis Aviles Jr. “He’s a good father. He doesn’t deserve it.”

The case has garnered national attention in light of reports about supply shortages and personnel concerns onboard the USS Lincoln.

Josh Aviles said he was working 12-plus hour shifts on the ship, with an added toll of worrying about his father.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.