Kentucky State University Player Aminata Seck Released from ICE Custody, Another Player Detained

Aminata Seck, a women's basketball player at Kentucky State University, has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after spending two months detained. A judge granted her a $2,500 bond at a hearing on Tuesday, which was posted the following day after ICE opted not to appeal, according to Hishem Alsalman, managing attorney at Alsalman Law Office.

In contrast, Qingfang Pang, a men's basketball player from Mississippi Valley State University, was taken into ICE custody on September 29. He is currently held at the Richwood Correctional Facility in Louisiana, as noted in the ICE database. The university issued a statement expressing concern for Pang's wellbeing, confirming that he is enrolled as a full-time student and that officials are monitoring the situation closely.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that Pang had entered the U.S. legally on November 17, 2023, but overstayed his temporary visa, which was valid until September 5, 2024. The statement confirmed he accepted voluntary departure and will remain in ICE custody while awaiting removal.

Pang had previously played for Monroe University in New York, where he averaged 7.3 points and 3.8 rebounds over the last two seasons.

Regarding Seck, the judge determined she posed no danger to the community or risk of flight. The ruling allows her to continue her education, with the judge commending her academic and athletic accomplishments. Seck, 26, was arrested on August 7 at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport while preparing to travel for a tournament.

The DHS stated that Seck had legally entered the U.S. in 2019 but overstayed her visa. An immigration judge had ordered her removal a year ago after she did not appear for a hearing. Alsalman previously mentioned that Seck did not receive notice of those proceedings.

Originally from Dakar, Senegal, Seck was a standout player, earning a place on the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) all-conference third team last season, averaging 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds. She also received the SIAC Women's Basketball Elite 16 award for exceptional performance in athletics and academics.