After nearly two months in ICE custody, Kentucky State basketball player Aminata Seck has been released. Her attorney, Sadiqa Reynolds, announced the news of her release from ICE custody. Seck was released on a $2,500 bond. Her release follows a September 30th ruling from an immigration judge that granted a motion to reopen her immigration case after information revealed she did not receive prior notice of a previous hearing. As a result, the removal order was rescinded, allowing Seck and her legal representatives to argue her case.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement took Seck into custody at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on August 7 as she traveled with the Kentucky State University women’s basketball team to a tournament in New York. Attorney Sadiqa Reynolds told the Courier Journal that Seck has since been moved between multiple facilities and is still dealing with an ACL injury without consistent medical care. Seck also suffered seizures and was hospitalized for treatment while in custody.
A 6-foot-4 center from Dakar, Senegal, Seck transferred from Langston University to Kentucky State and has spent the past two seasons with the Lady Thoroughbreds. She became one of the team’s most important players in 2025-26, starting 17 of 20 games and averaging 11.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.
The Department of Homeland Security says Aminata Seck is being held because she missed an immigration hearing. A DHS spokesperson told Front Office Sports she received a final removal order last year.
“She chose to overstay her welcome in violation of our nation’s laws,” DHS said in a quote obtained by USA Today. “To be clear: a pending application or work authorization does not confer legal status in the United States.”
Seck’s lawyer, Hishem Alsalman, also spoke with Front Office Sports and said Seck never received the removal order or any notice of the hearing.
“Aminata was not aware that she had ever been placed in removal proceedings, nor was she aware that an immigration judge had entered an in absentia removal order against her,” Alsalman told Front Office Sports. “Far from knowingly ignoring her immigration obligations, she was actively taking steps to ensure that her student status remained intact while continuing her education at Kentucky State University.”