CT college basketball player arrested by ICE

Southern Connecticut State University men’s basketball player Deng Deng was arrested at Tweed New Haven Airport last Friday.

Deng, who is from South Sudan, played high school basketball in New Jersey last year and was about to begin his freshman season on the team.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesman confirmed the arrest.

“On September 4, at the Tweed New Haven Airport, ICE arrested Deng Deng, an illegal alien from South Sudan. He legally entered the U.S. and illegally overstayed, violating the immigration laws of our country. All of his claims will be heard by an immigration judge and he will receive due process. This administration will not ignore the rule of law,” the spokesman said.

Deng is currently being held in custody at the Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s online detainee locator. Deng’s lawyers filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus on Friday, which requires the federal government to justify his detention.

A judge ordered that Deng not be transferred to any detention center more than 150 miles from the Connecticut border, according to court documents obtained by the New Haven Independent. Records show the case was transferred to the district court of Massachusetts on Wednesday.

Southern Connecticut State released the following statement:

“We are aware that one of our students was detained by immigration authorities over the holiday weekend while traveling off campus. The university is in contact with the student and those supporting them and is assisting where appropriate. Our priority remains the student’s safety and well-being.”

Deng committed to play for the men’s basketball team at Southern in May, announcing his decision on Instagram.

“First, I want to thank God for guiding my steps and giving me the strength to reach this moment,” Deng wrote in the post. “I also want to thank Southern Connecticut State University Coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Your trust means everything. To my family and friends, thank you for supporting me through every high and low. None of this happens without you. With that being said I’m blessed to announce my commitment to Southern Connecticut State University.”

Deng played high school basketball at Linden High School in New Jersey.