Kentucky State basketball player Aminata Seck detained by ICE

Aminata “Mina” Seck, a 26-year-old basketball player from Senegal studying at Kentucky State University, has been held in immigration custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since August 7. She was detained at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport while traveling with her team to a tournament in New York.

Seck’s attorney, Sadiqa Reynolds, stated that the detention may have resulted from a missed student visa renewal deadline caused by the athlete recovering from back surgery. The legal team has raised urgent concerns regarding Seck’s health, noting she suffers from a significant injury—described as either an ACL tear or an Achilles tendon rupture—and requires surgery. Reynolds claims Seck has had limited access to necessary medical care and consistent pain management while in custody.

Since her arrest, Seck has been transferred between detention facilities in Kentucky and Chicago. She is currently listed at the Grayson County Detention Center. Kentucky State head coach Amani Williams has publicly advocated for Seck, requesting community support for legal expenses and medical needs through the hashtag #BringAminaHome. Kentucky State University has declined to comment on the specific details of the case due to privacy concerns.