Listen to this article

Florida Shark-Attack Rescuer Detained by ICE After Traffic Stop

10 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Jul 2, 2025, 11:02 PM

Luis Alvarez, a 31-year-old construction worker from Nicaragua who helped rescue nine-year-old Leah Lendel during a shark attack at Boca Grande, Florida, on 11 June, has been taken into immigration custody and faces possible deportation.

According to Collier County court records, Alvarez was pulled over in Immokalee at 1:49 a.m. on 14 June for driving an SUV without headlights. He produced a digital image of his U.S. employment-authorization card but had no driver’s license, leading deputies to arrest him on a misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle without a license.

After the arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed an immigration hold on Alvarez, and he remains in Collier County Jail. A hearing in immigration court is set for 9 July. Attorneys say his legal status is unclear: he holds a work permit but reportedly entered the country without authorization in December 2022. Court records show prior citations for similar traffic violations in Lee County dating back to 2023.

Alvarez was one of three bystanders who entered the Gulf of Mexico to free Lendel’s hand from a shark’s mouth and staunch her bleeding until paramedics arrived. The girl survived with serious hand injuries. Supporters argue the rescue should weigh in Alvarez’s favor, while immigration authorities have not commented beyond confirming the hold.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#Luis Alvarez #Nicaragua #Leah Lendel #Boca Grande #Florida #Collier County #Alvarez #Immokalee #Collier County Jail #Lee County #Gulf of Mexico #Lendel

Related Prediction Markets

Menswear Guy deported before August?

Wisconsin judge convicted for obstructing immigration operation?

•

Sources

tegnaone.com nbclosangeles.com myfoxzone.com nbcwashington.com

10 Tampa Bay

@10TampaBay

Luis Alvarez was one of several men who rushed into the water to help free a 9-year-old girl's hand from a shark last month. Now, he's at risk of being deported. 📸: Collier County Sheriff's Office

Unlimited L's

@unlimited_ls

NEW: Man who fought a shark to save a girl is now detained by ICE after he was caught driving without a license Luis Alvarez, 31, helped free a 9-year-old girl’s hand from a shark and control her bleeding until first responders arrived Alvarez was pulled over in Florida for