Luis Alvarez, a construction worker who risked his life by diving into the Gulf to save a girl from a shark, has been arrested in Florida, USA, and now faces possible deportation.
According to reports, Alvarez is currently being held at Collier County Jail. His arrest came just days after the shark attack incident.
The man who bravely put himself in danger to rescue a young girl during a shark attack in Boca Grande may now be removed from the country.
Alvarez was one of three rescuers who entered the bloodied waters to help 9-year-old Leah Lendel in Boca Grande. He was the first to jump in and scare off the shark, as per reports.
Alvarez, who came to America seeking a better life, was initially stopped by police in Immokalee for driving without headlights. Officers later discovered he didn't possess a driver's licence, leading to his arrest and detention.
Immigration attorney Ricardo Skerrett told WBTV that Alvarez was living in America legally with a valid work permit. "I don't understand why he's being detained by ICE if he had a work permit, unless he has a criminal record," Skerrett commented.
During his arrest, Alvarez explained to officers in Spanish that he had lived in the United States for two-and-a-half years without ever obtaining a driver's licence.
The Alvarez family is now consulting an immigration attorney to examine their legal options. According to family spokesperson Lugo, they believe Luis deserves another chance, particularly given his heroic actions in saving a child - an act that demonstrates his willingness to help others despite personal risk.
Alvarez remains in custody at Collier County Jail, with a court hearing scheduled for 9 July.
