Former Syracuse Basketball Player Faces Deportation to Sudan

John Bol Ajak, 26, has been in ICE custody for over a month after his arrest.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:25pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric representation of a basketball game, conveying the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the deportation of a former college player.A former college basketball player's deportation case exposes the complex immigration challenges faced by some student-athletes.Syracuse Today

Former Syracuse University basketball player John Bol Ajak, 26, will be deported to his native Sudan after spending more than a month in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, according to reports.

Why it matters

Ajak's case highlights the challenges faced by some student-athletes who are not U.S. citizens, as they can find themselves in legal limbo and at risk of deportation even after establishing lives in the country.

The details

Ajak, who was born in Natinga, Sudan, was arrested by ICE agents and has been in custody for over a month. He expressed his frustration with the situation, saying 'If this is how I'm leaving, I never want to step foot in this country again'.

  • Ajak was arrested by ICE agents in April 2026.

The players

John Bol Ajak

A 26-year-old former basketball player for Syracuse University who was born in Natinga, Sudan.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that arrested Ajak and is overseeing his deportation to Sudan.

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What they’re saying

“If this is how I'm leaving, I never want to step foot in this country again.”

— John Bol Ajak, Former Syracuse Basketball Player

What’s next

Ajak's deportation to Sudan is expected to be carried out in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Ajak's case underscores the precarious immigration status that some student-athletes face, even after establishing lives in the U.S. and representing American universities. His story highlights the need for clearer policies and support systems to help international students navigate the complexities of the immigration system.