Luis Alvarez, a 31-year-old Nicaraguan migrant, is being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Florida, facing possible deportation.
This comes just days after he was recognized as a hero for rescuing a 9-year-old girl who was attacked by a shark in Boca Grande; the girl’s family opened a GoFundMe account.
Luis Álvarez’s heroic rescue in Boca Grande
On June 11, 2025, 9-year-old Leah Lendel was attacked by a shark while swimming in the waters off Boca Grande, Florida.
Alvarez, along with other construction workers in the area, rushed to his aid.
According to witnesses, Alvarez went deep into the water, possibly confronting the shark, to rescue the girl.
Leah was rushed to a hospital, where doctors were able to reattach her severely damaged hand.
Arrest for a traffic violation
On June 14, just three days after the rescue, Alvarez was pulled over in Immokalee, Florida, for driving without headlights.
During the stop, he presented an image of his U.S. Employment Authorization Document on his cell phone, but was unable to provide a valid driver’s license.
Authorities discovered that Alvarez had previously been arrested four times in Lee County for driving without a license.
Although he had paid fines or received withheld awards in those cases, his record led to a license suspension issued on June 23.
ICE custody and immigration processing
Following his arrest, Alvarez was turned over to ICE, which alleges that he entered the United States illegally in December 2022, despite having presented a work authorization document.
He is currently in ICE custody with a bond set at $150 and a hearing scheduled for July 9.
Alvarez’s case has generated debate about immigration policies in the United States, especially under the administration of President Donald Trump.
The recent implementation of the Laken Riley Act in January 2025 has expanded the criteria for mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants, including those arrested for minor offenses such as driving without a license.
La detención de Álvarez ha provocado indignación entre defensores de los derechos de los inmigrantes y miembros de la comunidad hispana en Florida
Reactions from community and advocates
Buzzy
Many argue that his heroic act should be considered in his immigration proceedings and that his detention reflects a disproportionate application of immigration laws.
The case of Luis Alvarez highlights the complexity of the U.S. immigration system and how heroic actions can be overshadowed by prior legal infractions.
For Hispanic immigrants in the United States, it is crucial to understand the implications of current immigration laws and seek appropriate legal advice to navigate similar situations.
Alvarez’s fate will be determined at his next court hearing. Meanwhile, his story continues to be a focal point in the immigration and justice debate in the United States.
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