Kentucky State basketball player's immigration case reopened after court grants motion
An immigration judge granted a motion to reopen the deportation case of Kentucky State women's basketball player Aminata Seck, who has been held in ICE detention since August 7, according to her attorney. The judge also rescinded the prior removal order after finding that Seck had not received notice of the original immigration hearing she allegedly missed. Seck is now eligible to request a bond hearing that could release her from custody while her case proceeds, and her appearance in immigration court is scheduled for November 20. A separate federal habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of her detention remains active in the Western District of Kentucky.
In granting the motion, the Immigration Judge found that Aminata 'demonstrated that she did not receive notice' of her prior immigration court hearing
Why it matters
For service providers: Player representatives and support staff working with international athletes should monitor immigration compliance closely, as this case shows that procedural gaps can have serious consequences.
For coaches: Coaches recruiting or managing international student-athletes should be aware that immigration proceedings can result in sudden detention, affecting player availability and team travel.
For athletes: College athletes on visas or with pending immigration matters may face similar detention risks, and this case illustrates how quickly a missed hearing notice can escalate to a removal order.
Read the full story at Front Office Sports
Sources
- Front Office Sports · Margaret Fleming: College Basketball Player in ICE Custody Allowed to Re-Open Case