Aminata Seck, the 6-foot-4 senior center for Kentucky State University women’s basketball team, has been held in federal custody by ICE for over six weeks. The detainment occurred on August 7th at Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport while Seck was traveling with her team en route to New York.
Seck, originally from Dakar, Senegal, reportedly encountered issues with her student visa paperwork after undergoing back surgery earlier this year. These complications led to her detention and subsequent transfers among four different facilities in Kentucky and Illinois. Currently, she is being held at the Grayson County Detention Center.
Medical Concerns Amid Detention
Adding to her visa troubles, Seck suffers from an ACL injury that requires surgical intervention. According to her defense attorney, Sadiqa Reynolds, the medical care provided during her detention has been insufficient. Reynolds emphasized the urgency of Seck’s condition, stating, “She needs surgery. She needs medical attention.” She also acknowledged the efforts made by Kentucky State University but stressed that more must be done to support Seck during this critical time.
While Kentucky State University has not issued any public statements on the matter, the women’s basketball coach remains actively engaged in efforts to secure Seck’s release. The situation highlights the challenges faced by student-athletes navigating complex immigration regulations, especially when compounded by health issues.