Azerbaijani gay couple detained by ICE, choose self-deportation over separation
Jan 30, 2026·Location: Charlotte, NC
Country of origin: Azerbaijan
DetainmentDeportationDetention ConditionsFamilyLGBTQ+Injury/IllnessMedical NeglectSelf-DeportationObserver/BystanderResistanceIn DetentionNorth Carolina

Two Azerbaijani men, Fazal and Alikhan, who immigrated legally to the U.S. and were married in Charlotte, were detained by ICE after a routine immigration appointment in January. Alikhan was moved to Stewart Detention Center in Georgia where he became ill and received inadequate medical care until a U.S. Senator intervened. Unable to face prolonged detention, Alikhan announced in February he would self-deport rather than continue fighting his case, with Fazal planning to follow.
Sources
More incidents in North Carolina
- Durham family with young children deported to Honduras days after asylum appointmentSep 17, 2026 · Charlotte, NC
- Charlotte mother and 6-year-old daughter detained at ICE check-in, deported to VenezuelaSep 16, 2026 · Charlotte, NC
- Detention officer forged ICE documents to hold 20 immigrant inmatesSep 11, 2026 · Greensboro, NC
- NC teacher and grandmother detained by ICE despite dismissed case, granted bondAug 24, 2026 · Charlotte, NC
- Russian asylum seeker detained at routine ICE check-in in CharlotteAug 18, 2026 · Charlotte, NC
- Venezuelan asylum seeker detained by ICE after routine check-in in CharlotteAug 12, 2026 · Charlotte, NC