Kentucky State University women's basketball center Aminata Seck has spent more than six weeks in federal custody. In the latest immigration enforcement headline, ICE agents detained the DII star on August 7th at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport while she was traveling with her team to New York.
Why Did ICE Agents Take Aminata Seck into Custody?
The 6-foot-4 senior from Dakar, Senegal reportedly fell behind on student visa paperwork while recovering from back surgery earlier this year. Since then, ICE has transferred Seck between four detention facilities across Kentucky and Illinois.
Seck is currently being held at the Grayson County Detention Center. On top of her visa issues, Seck also has an ACL injury that requires surgery, according to defense attorney Sadiqa Reynolds. Yet Reynolds shared on Instagram that Seck has received limited medical attention throughout her detention.
"She needs surgery. She needs medical attention," Reynolds said. "Kentucky State has done what they can and now we must step up."
Kentucky State Women's Basketball Coach Fights for Seck's Release
Kentucky State declined to comment on Seck's detainment, citing the privacy of those involved.
Still, head coach Amani Williams has reportedly been a vocal advocate for her player behind the scenes. Before her detention, the 26-year-old averaged 11.9 points per game last season and earned SIAC All-Conference Third Team honors.
