HYATTSVILLE, Md. — An immigration judge granted Ludovic Marcel Mbock a $4,000 bond Friday in a Hyattsville immigration courtroom, allowing the Maryland resident to be released while his immigration case continues.
Mbock came to the United States from Cameroon in 2002 and has lived in Maryland for more than two decades. Over the years, he complied with immigration requirements and regularly reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement under an order of supervision.
A routine check-in turns into detention
Friends and family say they were stunned when Mbock was detained during what was supposed to be a routine immigration appointment in February.
He had gone to an ICE check-in in Maryland to renew his work authorization — something relatives say he had done for years without incident. Instead of leaving with renewed paperwork, he was taken into custody during the visit.
“The call I got on Tuesday threw me for a loop, because I wasn’t expecting that,” said his sister, Diane Sohna. “It’s just the anxiety. The unknown.”
Court records show Mbock had a long-standing removal order tied to a voluntary departure issued in 2005. Despite that status, family members say he continued completing yearly check-ins with immigration authorities and renewing his work permit for decades without problems.
“Everybody’s in shambles,” Sohna said. “We’re a tough family. So we’re just trying to hold it in, but I know it’s getting to everybody.”
Legal challenge
Mbock’s attorney filed a habeas petition challenging the legality of his detention.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge George Russell ordered the federal government to respond to the petition and said Mbock cannot be removed from the United States or have his legal status changed while the case is under review.
Attorneys for the government have not yet responded.
WUSA9 reporters say they contacted ICE several times for comment but did not receive a response.
Fear of deportation
Mbock’s family says their greatest concern is what could happen if he is deported to Cameroon.
They say he is openly gay and fear he could face persecution if returned.
The immigration judge’s decision allows Mbock to leave detention while his case continues to move through the courts — giving his family their first real hope of bringing him home.
Journalism that refuses to let people disappear.
Ludovic Marcel Mbock walked into a routine ICE check-in and ended up in detention.
His case is still unfolding.
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