A US Navy veteran who completed three tours of duty during the Iraq war is now detained and facing deportation, advocates say. Benito Miranda Hernandez, who was brought to the US from Mexico as a child, was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 14, shortly after finishing a prison sentence for a drug conviction.

Hernandez's case highlights a growing concern among immigrant veterans and their advocates under the Trump administration's increased focus on deportations. These service members, many of whom have defended the United States abroad, now find themselves in the complex and often unforgiving landscape of immigration law.

James Smith, founder of Black Deported Veterans of America, organized a demonstration outside the federal courthouse in San Diego in support of Hernandez. He stated that these veterans were promised a path to citizenship for their military service, a promise he believes is now being broken. Hernandez's mother, Maria Miranda, expressed her distress, saying her son was "doing things right" and had "so many hopes, so many dreams."

Hernandez had received his green card for permanent residency earlier this year, but his detention raises questions about the administration's policies towards veterans with criminal records. Advocates report a rise in the deportations of US military veterans, though precise numbers are difficult to ascertain as ICE has reportedly failed to consistently collect data on detainees' veteran status, a requirement.

Many veterans, including Hernandez, struggle with reintegrating into civilian life after their service. This can be exacerbated by mental health issues, which are reportedly common among veterans who have served in combat zones. The challenges of civilian readjustment can sometimes lead to encounters with the legal system.

Despite the challenges, Hernandez's military service included three tours in Iraq, a significant commitment that underscores his dedication to the US. His current situation, facing deportation after serving his country, has drawn attention from advocacy groups.

Prior to his detention, Hernandez had spoken to Al Jazeera about his experiences, shedding light on the difficulties faced by immigrant veterans. His detention at the Otay Mesa Detention Center in San Diego is part of a broader trend that advocates are closely monitoring.

The situation raises unresolved questions about how the US government balances its commitment to its service members with its immigration enforcement priorities, particularly for those with past convictions.