Publication date: October 18, 2026
Topic: U.S. immigration, military families and deportation
Source: CNN
Original article: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/18/us/califorina-uss-lincoln-sailor-deported-father
A 22-year-old U.S. Navy sailor is facing an emotional family situation after returning to California from a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and learning that her father had been deported to Mexico.
According to CNN, Jessica Martinez spent more than 10 months deployed aboard the aircraft carrier. Around two months into her deployment, she learned that her father, Humberto Martinez, had been deported. His absence made her return home very different from the reunion she had imagined.
Jessica said the news deeply affected her and made it difficult to continue her duties. She recalled her father’s encouragement to keep going, however, and said she continued with her service in his memory.
A few days after returning, Jessica and her sister crossed from San Diego into Tijuana, Mexico, where they reunited with their father. Humberto expressed gratitude that his daughter had returned safely and said he hoped the family might one day be reunited in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security told CNN that Humberto had prior immigration removals and alleged criminal convictions and arrests. The agency’s statements about his removal history and alleged offenses differed from an earlier statement. CNN reported that its public-record search found a DUI conviction; Humberto denied involvement in the other alleged crimes. He acknowledged crossing the border unlawfully multiple times.
CNN said it had requested clarification from DHS about the differences in its statements but had not received a response by the time of its report.
The case highlights the personal consequences immigration enforcement can have for military families, as well as the complicated legal questions faced by relatives of U.S. service members.
Source note: This article is a rewritten summary based on CNN’s reporting, not an official statement. Allegations are attributed to DHS, and Humberto Martinez’s denials are included for balance.
Publication date: October 18, 2026
Topic: U.S. immigration, military families and deportation
Source: CNN
Original article: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/18/us/califorina-uss-lincoln-sailor-deported-father
