Oxon Hill Pro Gamer Ludovic Mbock, 38, Detained by ICE in Baltimore

Ludovic Mbock, 38, a longtime competitive fighting-game player from Oxon Hill who competes as @ludthinks, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during an enforcement operation in Baltimore on March 3 and placed into federal custody, supporters and local reporting say. His arrest has prompted an urgent legal response and community fundraising amid fears he could be removed from the United States.

Mbock’s family and lawyer say he came to the U.S. from Cameroon legally as a teenager and built a life in Prince George’s County as a regional video gaming champion and Street Fighter and King of Fighters competitor. Neighbors and local coverage noted a gaming corner in his Oxon Hill apartment. His sister, Diane Sohna, who was born in the United States, has said Mbock has no family remaining in Cameroon.

Supporters and social media posts identify Mbock with The Hiero Group gaming collective. The group posted, “Our brother Ludovic from THG was detained by ICE, and right now he needs us. He's more than a teammate — he's family,” and a separate THG|Say-Co post urged donations and sharing, saying, “We’ve set up a support link to help with legal fees and support during this time. If you can donate, please do. If not, please share.” A GoFundMe organized by his supporters raised more than $53,000 in just over a day toward a $90,000 goal to fund legal defense, with organizers warning that “Legal fees and related costs can be overwhelming. With your help, we can ensure Ludovic has the best chance to resolve his situation and return to the life he’s worked so hard to build.”

Accounts of Mbock’s custody and transfer history differ. Some reporting says ICE moved him to detention facilities in Louisiana and Georgia after the arrest. Organizers counter that a G28 form was submitted designating counsel and that a petition was accepted, which they say has prevented his transfer and keeps him in Baltimore. ICE has not commented publicly on Mbock’s case as organizers press for confirmation of his current location.

Legal filings and supervision orders are a central element of the case. Sources describe supervision orders that can allow immigrants to work legally and sometimes require ankle monitors; reporting notes Mbock did not have an ankle monitor. An advocate named Mateo said, “You can’t detain somebody if you don’t see a foreseeable departure,” and added, “These orders have no expiration dates,” noting she has heard of immigrants under ICE supervision for more than a dozen years. Supporters say the accepted G28 requires attorneys be notified of any movement in the case.

Mbock’s lawyer, Edward Neufville, and his family express urgent safety concerns if he is returned to Cameroon. Neufville said, “He’s an openly gay person. He won’t be able to survive in Cameroon.” Cameroon punishes same-sex activity with fines and prison sentences of up to five years, and family members stress Mbock would have no relatives to turn to there.

The arrest in Baltimore comes after state lawmakers voted in mid-February to end formal local partnerships with ICE that had operated under 287(g) agreements, a policy change that limits local cooperation but does not stop federal operations on Maryland soil. ICE’s Baltimore field office identifies 31 Hopkins Plaza in the George H. Fallon federal building as its primary short-term holding and processing location for people taken into custody in Maryland, a site that has attracted scrutiny from advocates and litigation over holding-room conditions.

Supporters say the next step is a hearing where Mbock’s attorney will argue for his release. Organizers caution there are no guarantees and the timeline remains unclear as legal teams pursue filings and seek confirmation of where Mbock is being held.