The Hiero Group (THG) reported on social media that Ludovic Mbock, an active fighting game community (FGC) member and part of the group known for playing games like Street Fighter 6, ended up detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Fellow THG member Say-Co also shared the news, and members like Hayato, KevBe, Lumen Reber, and UncleWreck also retweeted THG’s statement. A GoFundMe was established to rise money for his legal defense. As of 11:30pm ET on February 18, 2026, over $34,800 of the $50,000 goal had been raised. [Thanks, Resetera!]
The statement about Ludovic from THG didn’t note specific details about the situation, but the GoFundMe for his legal funds for dealing with ICE went live on February 18, 2026 and was retweeted by members of the FGC that same day. One of the last messages on his social media account involved a retweet of THG’s message about KevBe, PJ Navarro, and UncleWreck attending EXP Pittsburgh. However, the GoFundMe organizer David Hazlewood shared an update that stated a retainer and legal fees had been paid as a result of the donations on February 18, 2026. Hazlewood also noted, “Hopefully this will prevent Ludovic from being transferred to a more distant facility and work towards his release.”
Based on information from Start.gg and THG social media, one of the last events Ludovic competed in was Iron Grid XXXIX in Newark, New Jersey. He competed in the KOF XV, Street Fighter 6, and Tekken 8 tournaments. For an example of his skills, the match of him facing SpaceBoy using Chun-Li appears at the start of the very start of the official Iron Grid XXXIX Street Fighter 6 Top 8 video below.
Future updates appear to be coming via the GoFundMe page and The Hiero Group. Past Ludovic Mbock matches can be seen on his official Twitch account.