HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Two Wallace State Community College students and members of the college’s men’s soccer team were placed in immigration custody following a traffic stop in Talladega County on Saturday. The twins, Luis and Carlos Orta‑Santoro, 19, were returning to campus after a visit to family in Georgia when officers stopped their vehicle for allegedly rolling through a stop sign.
Family says the brothers are legal residents awaiting asylum decisions
According to their parents, the brothers have pending political asylum applications related to conditions in Venezuela and hold U.S. work permits that remain valid until 2030. The family maintains that the twins are in the United States lawfully.
“It’s scary because our sons are kids, really they are kids,” said their father, Carlos Orta‑Santoro. “It’s desperate when you receive a call and they say please help me.”
Detention and expected transfer
The brothers are currently being held in Pickens County. Their family says they are slated for transfer to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Louisiana pending further review of their immigration status.
College community reacts
Wallace State soccer coach Mark Daniels described the twins as “incredible human beings” and “fantastic student‑athletes,” emphasizing their contributions both on the field and in the classroom. The coach expressed hope that the situation would be resolved quickly so the players could return to their studies and the team.
ICE response
An ICE public affairs representative told WAFF 48 News that the agency is actively researching the case and will provide additional details as they become available. No further comment was offered at the time of publication.
Broader context of immigration enforcement
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement actions that affect students and other individuals who are legally present in the United States while awaiting final decisions on asylum or work permits. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for clearer guidelines to prevent disruptions to education and community life.
Local officials have not yet commented on the specific case, but the situation underscores the importance of balancing immigration policy with the rights of families and the educational missions of community colleges.
Wallace State Community College has not released an official statement beyond the coach’s remarks. The college’s administration is reportedly monitoring the situation and will work with legal counsel to support the twins and their family.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
