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An Orange County family is calling for answers after they say their son, 2024 Orange High School graduate Isaac Gallegos, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during what they described as a routine asylum-related visit in Charlotte on Wednesday.
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Gallegos came to the United States with his mother in 2016 from Honduras, according to his family. His parents, Maria Gallegos and Cesar Rios, said the family sought asylum after gang members killed several relatives in their home country. They said Gallegos has had a pending asylum case since 2016.
On Saturday, Gallegos’ family said they are trying to learn why he was detained and when he might be released. They said he is being held at a detention center in Georgia.
“To our son, we want him to know to stay strong and believe in God,” Maria Gallegos said.
His parents described him as a hardworking young man who has consistently put his family first.
“He’s just an amazing person for someone so young. He’s always worried about everyone else. Wherever he goes, he’s always thinking about others. He’s just a dear,” Maria Gallegos said.
According to his family, Gallegos has held a job since he was 16 years old. His friend Melany Juarez said he has always been focused on supporting those around him.
“He’s always found a way to make everyone feel loved, and present. He’s always found a way to work,” Juarez said.
After a car accident seriously injured his father in 2025, the family said Gallegos stepped in to help support the household.
“He said to me, ‘Dad, I’m going to accept this other job because I know right now you need it. You can’t provide right now. You’ve provided for me my whole life and now is my time to do so,’” Cesar Rios said.
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The family said the situation began Wednesday during what they described as an annual, routine visit regarding their asylum case in Charlotte. While Gallegos’ parents waited outside, they said he never came back out.
Juarez said Gallegos called her shortly after he was detained.
“He just called me crying, saying that he was getting detained and that they were sending her to Georgia, that he didn’t know what was happening. They’re going to take me. I have your phone number saved, and I’m going to call you as soon as I can. He said that in 38 seconds,” she said.
Gallegos’ family said he has no criminal record and has paid taxes since he began working.
They are now raising money to hire an attorney while seeking his release.
Through a statement read by Juarez, Gallegos thanked his community of support and offered encouragement to others facing similar situations.
“I just want to take a moment to think, to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for everything you all are doing. This isn’t easy, but I know I have God on my side and the love and support for my friends and friends, family and so many amazing people. To every family going through something similar, I want to remind you to stay strong, continue supporting your loved ones and never lose faith. There will be hard days, but with God, love and support and hope, anything is possible,” the statement said.
Eyewitness News reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for information about Gallegos’ detention, including why he was detained and where he is being held.
“On October 7, 2026, ICE arrested Javier Isaac Alberto Gallegos, an illegal alien from Honduras, in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his immigration proceedings. To be clear: a pending application does not confer legal status in the United States,” said a DHS spokesperson.
Editor’s note: Quotes from Maria Gallegos and Cesar Rios have been translated from Spanish by the author.
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