Kentucky State Basketball Star Aminata Seck Detained by ICE at Airport
Kentucky State University athlete Aminata Seck remains in federal custody after an airport arrest. Rep. Morgan McGarvey and legal counsel seek answers.
POLICY WIRE — Louisville, USA — Aminata Seck, a 26-year-old Kentucky State University basketball player, was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities at Muhammad Ali International Airport on August 7. The Senegal native was attempting to travel to New York with her teammates for an HBCU tournament when the arrest occurred.
According to her attorney, Sadiqa Reynolds, Seck holds a U.S. student visa but may have inadvertently missed a renewal deadline while recovering from back surgery. The athlete is also currently managing an ACL injury.
Reynolds reported that Seck has been moved through several detention centers and is currently hospitalized. The attorney expressed deep concern regarding the lack of access to her client, noting that hospital staff have prohibited both phone calls and in-person visits.
The Grayson County Detention Center inmate roster lists Seck under the custody of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE. Federal officials did not immediately provide a response to inquiries regarding the specific reasons for her detention or the status of her medical care.
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In an interview with LEX18, Reynolds emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that it is distressing to search for a client within the system while fearing for her well-being. She argued that while visa issues may exist, the focus must remain on ensuring the student-athlete receives necessary medical treatment.
Democratic U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey, who represents the Louisville district, confirmed he is actively monitoring the case. In a public statement, McGarvey described Seck as a student-athlete and vowed to continue fighting for her, criticizing the handling of the situation.
Seck, a 6-foot-4 center, was a standout performer for Kentucky State, earning a spot on the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference Third Team last season. She averaged 11.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, including a notable 30-point performance against Lane College on January 14.
Beyond her athletic contributions, Seck was honored with the SIAC Women’s Basketball Elite 16 award, which recognizes excellence in both athletics and academics. Kentucky State University officials have declined to provide further details, citing the privacy of those involved.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
