ICE Detains Charlotte Man's Partner During Traffic Stop

Boyfriend Luis Duque fights for Oscar's release from Georgia detention center amid poor conditions

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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When Luis Duque was driving his boyfriend Oscar to work in Charlotte, their routine trip took an unexpected turn when they were pulled over by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Within minutes, Oscar was detained and taken away, leaving Duque with more questions than answers. Oscar, who is in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, was transported to a detention center in Georgia known for its poor conditions, prompting Duque to seek legal help and start a fundraiser to secure Oscar's release.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around ICE's enforcement tactics, which often target individuals without criminal records. The case raises questions about due process, the treatment of detainees, and the impact on families and communities when loved ones are suddenly taken away.

The details

During the traffic stop, ICE agents surrounded Duque's car, asked for IDs, and then detained Oscar despite him being in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Oscar was given the choice to either self-deport to Mexico or wait months to see a judge at the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia, which has been criticized for its poor conditions, including inadequate food, lack of medical care, and safety issues. Duque has been trying to get a lawyer to help secure Oscar's release, but the process has been frustrating.

  • The traffic stop occurred just before 8 a.m. on an unspecified date in late February 2026.
  • Oscar has a court appearance scheduled for March 9, 2026.

The players

Luis Duque

The 24-year-old Charlotte native who was driving the car when ICE agents detained his boyfriend Oscar.

Oscar

Duque's 26-year-old boyfriend who is in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and was detained by ICE agents during the traffic stop.

Stewart Detention Center

The Georgia detention center where Oscar was transported and is being held, which has been criticized for its poor conditions.

ICE

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency that detained Oscar during the traffic stop.

Lindsay Williams

An ICE spokesperson who provided a statement to The Charlotte Observer about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We were on our way to work. We share the same car, so I usually drop him off first then go to my job.”

— Luis Duque (The Charlotte Observer)

“These aren't criminals that they're grabbing. Oscar has no criminal record. It's about human decency. You wouldn't want to see your loved one getting taken away.”

— Luis Duque (The Charlotte Observer)

“Those detention centers are horrible. Jail is a mercy compared to those centers.”

— Luis Duque (The Charlotte Observer)

What’s next

Oscar has a court appearance scheduled for March 9, 2026, and Duque is working with lawyers to try to get Oscar released from the detention center and back to Charlotte for his case.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around ICE's enforcement tactics, which often target individuals without criminal records. The case raises questions about due process, the treatment of detainees, and the impact on families and communities when loved ones are suddenly taken away.