KEY WEST, Fla. — Luis Aviles is home in Key West.

The handyman and father of a U.S. Navy sailor was released from ICE custody after being arrested over the weekend by the U.S. Border Patrol agents.

“I can’t say nothing bad, because I say thank you for giving me freedom to come back to my home,” Aviles said.

Federal authorities told Local 10 News that Aviles entered the United States illegally from Nicaragua nearly 20 years ago and that his son’s military service has no bearing on his status.

Aviles was asked Wednesday about his arrival those years back, but he declined to give details.

“I got very scared,” he said. “I don’t want to remember that situation.”

His arrest came in the midst of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Border Patrol agents, as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, are targeting convicted criminals in operations around South Florida.

But federal authorities are also arresting those without legal immigration status, who are subject to deportation in the eyes of the government.

Aviles’ case garnered national attention after his son Josh, who in his ninth month onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, made an outcry on social media.

Aviles says he has pending paperwork, and the process doesn’t deter him.

“I’m waiting for everything,” he said. “I believe in this country. I believe that everything is good. It’s good. I believe in the people of the United States too. I have a lot of friends I say thank you for taking care of my family.”

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