Former Syracuse Basketball Player John Bol Ajak Faces Deportation
John Bol Ajak, a former Syracuse basketball player, is set to be deported to Sudan after spending over a month in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The 26-year-old agreed to a voluntary deportation order during a virtual hearing with Immigration Judge Adam G. Panopoulos at the Elizabeth Immigration Court in New Jersey.
Background of John Bol Ajak
Ajak was born in Natinga, South Sudan, and moved to the United States from Kenya in 2014 to pursue education and basketball. He played as a 6-foot-10 backup center for the Syracuse Orange from 2020 to 2023, under coach Jim Boeheim.
- Ajak graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School in December 2023.
- He began graduate studies but did not complete them.
Deportation Order Details
During the hearing, Judge Panopoulos stated that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security established that Ajak overstayed his visa, which expired in 2023. Ajak had failed to leave the country within 60 days after his visa’s expiration.
Opting for voluntary departure allows Ajak to leave the U.S. at his own expense to avoid a formal deportation order. This option may enable him to later apply for a visa to return from Sudan.
Legal Proceedings and Arrests
Ajak has faced multiple arrests since December for charges including resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He expressed a desire to leave the U.S. quickly, stating, “If this is how I’m leaving, I never want to step foot in this country again.” Notably, he represented himself during the hearing, choosing not to have legal counsel.
Future Plans in Sudan
Ajak intends to return to Pawuoi Payam in Twic East County, South Sudan, where most of his family resides. He has indicated that he does not fear for his safety upon his return.
Ajak was living with a relative before arriving in ICE custody on February 18, following a pretrial release.
