Senegalese basketball player Aminata Seck has been detained in the United States since 7 August after being stopped at a security check while travelling with her team towards New York, according to her lawyer, Sadiqa Reynolds. The attorney said the arrest stems from an issue related to Seck's immigration status, including a missed deadline to apply for a student visa, reportedly due to surgery on her back at the time.
Since her arrest, Reynolds said Seck has been moved four times between detention facilities in Clay, Chicago, Clark and Grayson counties. Her health has become a central concern for the defence: she is said to be suffering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and significant pain, with Reynolds claiming medical care has so far consisted only of ibuprofen.
The situation escalated when Seck was taken to hospital following a medical emergency. Reynolds said an ICE officer told her that the player had been restrained at the waist, hands and feet during the transfer. The lawyer is contesting the treatment and is demanding Seck's release so she can continue her recovery in better conditions.
Kentucky State University, linked to Seck's academic career, declined to comment, citing privacy. US authorities have not publicly detailed their version of events.
