Louisville residents saw a swift resolution Tuesday when U.S. District Judge Tonya Walton Pratt granted a writ of habeas corpus for Armelle Bondonga, a mother who had been held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since August 12. The judge found the government had not shown that Bondonga was likely to be removed in the reasonably foreseeable future.
Judge cites lack of removal evidence
Bondonga was arrested after attending an interview for a marriage‑based green card. In her petition, she highlighted several factors that made removal unlikely: no set removal date, no travel documents, and no indication that the United States had coordinated with the Democratic Republic of Congo on her case. Judge Pratt agreed, noting the government failed to produce evidence that Bondonga would be deported soon.
Advocates celebrate family reunification
Local advocate Sadiqa Reynolds, who has been championing Bondonga’s case, announced that the mother is expected to be reunited with her family within 48 hours. Reynolds praised the court’s decision as a victory for families facing prolonged detention while awaiting immigration benefits.
Basketball player also set free
Alongside Bondonga, Kentucky State University basketball player Aminata Seck was released from ICE custody. Seck had been detained on August 7 at Louisville International Airport while traveling for a basketball trip. She was freed on Tuesday after posting a $2,500 bond.
Community response
The releases have been welcomed by local faith‑based groups and family‑focused organizations, who see the outcomes as a reaffirmation of due‑process protections. While immigration enforcement remains a contentious national issue, the Louisville community emphasizes the importance of keeping families together and ensuring that government actions are grounded in clear evidence.
What’s next?
Bondonga’s green‑card application remains pending, and her legal team will continue to monitor the case for any further government action. Seck is expected to rejoin her team for upcoming games, bringing relief to both the athlete and her supporters.
These developments underscore the role of the federal judiciary in checking immigration enforcement actions, especially when individuals lack concrete removal timelines. As the Trump administration continues to prioritize strong border security, local cases like these highlight the balance between enforcement and individual rights.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
