Man Who Helped Save Florida Shark Attack Victim Arrested Now Faces Deportation
FLORIDA – Just days after bravely jumping into shark-infested waters to help save a 9-year-old girl, a Florida construction worker is now facing deportation proceedings.
Luis Alvarez, one of the three men who rescued Leah Lendel after a shark attacked her off the coast of Boca Grande, was arrested in Immokalee and is now being held at the Collier County Jail. According to deputies, Alvarez was pulled over for driving without headlights and later taken into custody when he could not present a valid driver’s license.
From Hero to Detainee
Witnesses say Alvarez didn’t hesitate when Leah was attacked in shallow waters. He rushed into the bloody surf to fight off the shark, helping free the child and pulling her to safety.
“He jumped in the water to take the shark out of her hand,” said Raynel Lugo, another rescuer who was with him. “We act. It was pretty quick. We’re in the seconds. So he is just that kind of person.”
Footage from the scene shows Alvarez near emergency responders as EMS treated the injured girl. She survived the incident thanks in part to the fast actions of Alvarez and the others.
But not long after, a routine traffic stop changed everything.
Why Was He Arrested?
As reported by WSVN 7News, Alvarez showed deputies a photo of his employment authorization card, but did not possess a driver’s license. Though he is authorized to work in the U.S., his arrest triggered a notification to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Immigration attorney Ricardo Skerrett questioned the detainment. “I don’t know why this person is being detained by ICE if he had a work permit, unless he has a criminal background,” he said.
Supporters Call for Second Chance
Lugo and others who know Alvarez describe him as a hardworking family man who’s “always talking good stuff about the family, fighting to get a better life.” They are now trying to connect with immigration lawyers to fight for his release.
“This guy, I think Luis deserved a second opportunity,” Lugo said. “After what people saw in the news, that he didn’t think about it twice to save that little girl.”
Alvarez has reportedly been in the U.S. for over two years and never had a driver’s license. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.
Should immigration status outweigh heroic actions? Should Luis Alvarez be deported or given a second chance? Share your thoughts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
