News broke this week that Senegalese Kentucky State women's basketball player Aminata Seck was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on 7 August at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport while travelling to attend the HBCU All-Star game in New York. Seck, listed as a Kentucky State senior, started 20 of 26 games last season, earned third-team all-conference honours and received an SIAC Elite 16 award for academic achievement.
According to lawyer Sadiqa Reynolds, Seck has been moved through four ICE facilities since her apprehension: Clay County, Chicago, Clark County and Grayson County. Reynolds said Seck was detained over a missed student visa deadline, which she described as "a paperwork situation" caused by back surgery. Reynolds added that Seck has been suffering from an ACL injury while in custody and has received only ibuprofen and no proper medical care.
The Department of Homeland Security told USA Today on 23 September that Seck "chose to overstay her welcome in violation of our nation's laws" and said a pending application or work authorisation does not confer legal status. DHS claimed an immigration judge issued a final order of removal for Seck on 8 September 2025 after she "failed to show up for her immigration hearing" and said she will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Kentucky State coach Amani Williams has reportedly been a strong source of support for Seck. Reynolds said Williams "has treated her like a mother would treat their child".
