Gay gamer detained by ICE at compliance appointment, faces deportation to Cameroon
Feb 17, 2026·Location: Maryland
Country of origin: Cameroon

Ludovic Mbock, a 38-year-old competitive gamer from Cameroon, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on February 17, 2026, during a routine work permit renewal check-in at the Baltimore ICE office. Mbock legally entered the U.S. as a teenager and has lived in Maryland for 18 years. He was transferred across multiple states during 25 days in detention. His lawyer and family fear deportation to Cameroon, where same-sex activity is criminalized and he faces danger as an openly gay man. A federal judge ruled he will be held for 10 days pending a bond hearing in Immigration Court.
Timeline
Sources
- Gaming pro from Cameroon detained by ICE for deportation
thebaltimorebanner.com·Mar 3, 2026·archived copy
thebanner.com·Mar 3, 2026·archived copy
- Maryland Gamer Ludovic Mbock Detained By ICE As Community Raises $53K, Legal Fight Begins
aol.com·Feb 19, 2026·archived copy
- Cameroonian immigrant released from ICE detention
thebanner.com·Mar 13, 2026·archived copy
- Fighting Game Community member Ludovic to be released from ICE custody
eventhubs.com·Feb 18, 2026·archived copy
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