Charlotte Man Detained by ICE After Traffic Stop

Partner says Oscar Castillo was pulled over while driving to work and taken into custody.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Oscar Castillo, a Charlotte resident originally from Mexico, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after being pulled over with his partner Luis Duque on their way to work. Duque recorded video of the incident, showing the ICE agent requesting identification from both of them before taking Castillo into custody. Castillo is currently in the process of applying for a visa, according to Duque, and has no violent criminal record, only a speeding ticket.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the impact it can have on families and communities. It raises questions about the tactics used by ICE agents and whether they are balancing law enforcement duties with empathy and respect for those they encounter.

The details

According to Duque's account, the couple was pulled over on Woodland Road near East Independence Boulevard by what they initially thought was a police car. However, it turned out to be an ICE agent who requested identification from both Castillo and Duque. Castillo, who did not have his ID with him, was then taken into custody by the agent despite Duque's pleas. Castillo is currently in the process of applying for a visa and has no violent criminal record, only a speeding ticket.

  • On February 26, 2026, Oscar Castillo was detained by ICE agents during a traffic stop in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

Oscar Castillo

A Charlotte resident originally from Mexico who is in the process of applying for a visa and has no violent criminal record, only a speeding ticket.

Luis Duque

Castillo's partner, who recorded video of the incident and pleaded with the ICE agent to let Castillo go.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that detained Castillo during the traffic stop.

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What they’re saying

“Can I please just say, bye? Please. Just in case”

— Luis Duque, Castillo's partner (wsoctv.com)

“No, I didn't bring my ID with me”

— Oscar Castillo (wsoctv.com)

“How about your passenger, here?”

— ICE Agent (wsoctv.com)

“Let's see identification, please. I'm looking for somebody that's in the same vehicle.”

— ICE Agent (wsoctv.com)

“At the end of the day - these officers, whatever they're doing, they have to do their jobs, but I feel like just have some empathy and some heart. Like these are people's family that you're taking off the street.”

— Luis Duque, Castillo's partner (wsoctv.com)

What’s next

Castillo will likely be transferred to an ICE detention facility in Georgia, according to his partner Luis Duque. The couple is unsure when or if they will be reunited.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the impact it can have on families and communities. It raises questions about the tactics used by ICE agents and whether they are balancing law enforcement duties with empathy and respect for those they encounter.