HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Luis and Carlos Orta‑Santoro, 19, who play for the Wallace State Community College soccer program, are still being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a routine traffic stop in Talladega County. The brothers were returning to school after a family visit in Georgia when the stop led to their detention.
Family and college reaction
The twins’ parents told local reporters that both men have pending asylum applications and U.S. work permits that remain valid through 2030. They expressed deep concern, saying, “It’s scary because our sons are kids. Really, they are kids… My heart is destroyed. Prayers. Please pray for them.”
Wallace State Community College issued a statement emphasizing the importance of the two athletes to the campus community: “We want to express our sincere concern for Luis and Carlos Orta. Both young men are valued members of the Wallace State community, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. We sincerely hope for a positive resolution to their situation.”
Legal context
ICE released a clarification that a work permit does not grant legal status or protect an individual from arrest or removal. The agency said, “Receiving authorization to work in the U.S., commonly referred to as having a work permit, does not confer legal status or prevent ICE from arresting or removing an illegal immigrant from the country.”
Immigration attorney Joshua Crumbley explained the distinction between a work permit and legal status. He noted that a person can hold a work permit while an asylum case is pending, but that does not guarantee freedom from detention. “When you get this work permit, you get a Social Security number. So, I would consider these young men not undocumented because they were apparently, from what I’ve read and from what you’ve said, they were allowed in and then they filed for asylum. They’ve got work permits and Social Security numbers,” Crumbley said.
Crumbley added that the twins might qualify for bond, which would allow them to continue their asylum proceedings outside of detention.
Next steps
According to the family, the brothers are slated to be transferred on Tuesday from the Pickens County jail to an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. The transfer could affect their ability to attend an upcoming Wallace State soccer championship game, which was scheduled for later in the week.
Community members and local faith leaders have been urged to pray for the brothers and their family. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by illegal immigrants who hold work permits but lack full legal status, a point underscored by both ICE and legal counsel.
Broader implications
This case arrives amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement and the treatment of asylum seekers. While the Trump administration has emphasized stricter border policies, the current administration continues to enforce existing immigration laws, including the separation of work authorization from legal residency. The detention of the Orta‑Santoro twins serves as a reminder that work permits alone do not shield individuals from ICE action.
Original reporting: WAFF 48 Huntsville (news) — read the source article.
