Aminata Seck, a women's basketball player for Kentucky State University, has been released on bond from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after a two-month detention. Seck, a native of Senegal, was arrested on Aug. 7 at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The Department of Homeland Security stated she was taken into custody for overstaying her welcome in violation of U.S. laws. DHS noted that Seck entered the country legally in 2019 on a temporary basis but missed an immigration hearing in September 2025, resulting in a judge ordering her removal.
An immigration judge set her bond at $2,500, and she is now home. During her time in custody, Seck was dealing with a torn ACL and meniscus. Her attorney, Sadiqa Reynolds, stated at a news conference that Seck did not regularly receive treatment while detained. Reynolds said that while DHS policy claims to provide comprehensive medical care, including dental and mental health services, Seck's specific needs were not met. DHS told Fox News Digital that it is a longstanding practice to provide such care and that detainees have access to phones to communicate with family and lawyers.
Seck described spending a week in isolation after refusing to remove a knee brace she was wearing to treat her injury. She recounted sitting alone in the room without any companions or reading materials, according to KFVS. The knee brace postponement also delayed her scheduled surgery.
U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., addressed the news conference, stating that Seck has no criminal record but was taken from her team and placed in a jail cell for two months. Kentucky State University and ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
DHS provided a statement urging individuals in the country illegally to use the CBP Home App to self-deport, citing a $3,000 offer and free flight as incentives. The agency warned that those who do not take advantage of this offer will be arrested and deported without the chance to return.
Seck played in 20 games last season, starting in 17 of them. She averaged 11.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. At the news conference, Seck said she is ready to return to school to complete her master's degree and undergo her surgery. Her immigration case remains ongoing, and she is expected to appear in court next month.