Kentucky State Basketball Player Aminata Seck Set to Be Released From ICE Custody

Kentucky State University women's basketball player Aminata Seck is set to be released from federal custody following two months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, according to reporting by theGrio. Seck, a senior student-athlete originally from Senegal, was initially taken into custody on Aug. 7 as she prepared to board a flight to New York alongside her Kentucky State teammates. Department of Homeland Security officials confirmed that Seck originally entered the United States on a student visa in 2019, but federal authorities claimed that her visa status had since expired.

In statements addressing the arrest, Department of Homeland Security officials maintained that Seck chose to overstay her welcome in violation of nation laws. Federal officials emphasized in their statement that holding a pending application or work authorization does not grant legal status within the United States. The detention left Seck in federal custody while her university community and legal advocates worked to secure her release. Attorney Sadiqa Reynolds publicly announced the breakthrough in Seck's case through a social media update.

Reynolds confirmed that Seck would be released from ICE custody upon posting a $2,500 bond. In her message, Reynolds credited the legal work of the Alsalman Law Office and expressed gratitude to the New Americans Initiative for their collaborative efforts in resolving the immediate custody situation. The legal battle stemmed in part from communications regarding Seck's immigration hearing status. Federal officials with the Department of Homeland Security stated that a notice concerning Seck's visa was mailed to her legal team on Sept. 5, 2025.

However, her attorney, Hishem Alsalman, stated that Seck never received the official notification. Following a failure to appear on the scheduled date, an immigration judge subsequently granted an order of removal for Seck dated Sept. 8, 2025, according to statements from federal authorities. The situation shifted when an immigration judge officially halted the deportation order, enabling Seck to qualify for conditional release on bond, according to the report. Seck's legal team has highlighted the urgent need for medical care.

The student-athlete suffered a torn ACL and had surgery scheduled for Sept. 7, a procedure delayed by her ongoing detention. Speaking to The Athletic, Alsalman explained that upcoming priorities center on ensuring Seck obtains proper medical treatment so she can heal and continue pursuing her higher education in the United States. Seck established herself as a standout student-athlete at Kentucky State University prior to her detention. On the basketball court, the senior recorded impressive double-double averages of 11 points and 11 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season.

Her athletic performance earned her a spot on the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference Third Team. Beyond her athletic contributions, Seck received the SIAC Elite 16 award, an honor presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative academic achievement in the conference. Kulture Newz will continue following updates as Seck transitions out of federal custody.