It was confirmed this week that a former Syracuse University basketball player will be deported.
John Bol Ajak, who played at Syracuse from 2019-2023, was taken into ICE custody in February. This came after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security learned that he overstayed his visa.
On Thursday, the former Syracuse basketball player had a virtual hearing with a judge from the Elizabeth Immigration Court in New Jersey. He was given the option of voluntary departure or a deportation order. Ajak ultimately preferred the latter.
"When given the option of voluntary departure or a deportation order, Ajak chose deportation, saying he wanted to leave the country as quickly as possible," the report from Syracuse.com states. "A voluntary departure allows a noncitizen to leave the U.S. at their own expense without a formal removal order and can preserve eligibility for future legal entry. Under a deportation order, the U.S. government pays to remove him."
© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images.
Ajak reportedly told the judge that he wants to return to South Sudan. The plan is for him to reunite with his family.
According to Syracuse.com, Ajak doesn't fear for his safety in South Sudan. Unfortunately, he can't say the same about the United States right now.
“If this is how I’m leaving, I never want to step foot in this country again,” Ajak said.
Syracuse legend Jim Boeheim shares his thoughts.
Ajak averaged 1.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game during his final season with the Orange. Before he accepted a deportation order, his former coach offered his two cents on this situation.
"It was just [overwhelmingly] sad when I heard he got taken," Boeheim told Syracuse.com. "They’re taking good people out of our country."
As of this Friday, it's unclear when Ajak will be deported.
