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Former Syracuse basketball player deported after visa expiration and ICE detention

Apr 3, 2026 · Syracuse, NY, Sudan

Former Syracuse basketball player deported after visa expiration and ICE detention

John Bol Ajak, a 26-year-old former Syracuse University basketball player, was taken into ICE custody in early March 2026 following his arrest in Syracuse on charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. His student visa had expired in 2023 after his graduation. He was held at Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and Moshannon Valley Processing Center for over a month. During a virtual hearing with Elizabeth Immigration Court in New Jersey on April 2-3, 2026, an immigration judge found that Ajak had overstayed his visa. Ajak agreed to voluntary deportation to South Sudan and was scheduled for removal within 60 days.

Timeline

Apr 3, 2026Immigration judge confirms Ajak overstayed visa; deportation order issued with 60-day removal timeline
Apr 2, 2026Virtual hearing held at Elizabeth Immigration Court in New Jersey; Ajak agrees to voluntary deportation
Mar 2026Ajak held at Buffalo Federal Detention Facility and Moshannon Valley Processing Center
Feb 18, 2026John Bol Ajak taken into ICE custody following arrest for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct

Sources

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