Chinese Basketball Player Qingfang Pang Detained by ICE Over Immigration Status

Chinese basketball player Qingfang Pang faces potential deportation from the United States after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained the 21-year-old athlete over student visa status issues. Pang, a 2.06-meter forward from Shenzhen who recently secured a basketball scholarship at Mississippi Valley State University, is currently held at a Richwood detention center in Louisiana while awaiting departure arrangements.

Detention at Richwood Center Threatens Mississippi Valley State Career

The detention occurred on September 29 as Pang attempted to travel by air from Jackson, Mississippi, to New York. According to his attorney, Marcus Session, the player was aware his student status had encountered complications and intended to seek help from a family friend in New York. Federal authorities state Pang agreed to voluntary departure, though his legal team is actively seeking bond.

Delayed SEVIS Record Transfer Undermines F-1 Status

The legal complication involves a delayed administrative transfer between Monroe University, where Pang played, and Mississippi Valley State University. Monroe University stated that transfer records had been prepared since the spring semester, awaiting a formal request from the new institution. Monroe University officials confirmed the transfer application was finally received on October 7, more than a week after federal agents detained the player. Mississippi Valley State University released a statement noting concern for the athlete’s welfare and monitoring the situation.

Decade-Long Journey From Shenzhen to NCAA Division I

Pang grew up in a basketball family in Shenzhen, where his mother played for a provincial team and his father represented the national team in a world event. He started playing at age eight before moving to the United States as a teenager to attend high schools including St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in New Jersey and Christ the King High School in Queens. He also competed with the New York Renaissance club program. During the 2025 to 2026 season, he appeared in 31 games for Monroe University with 27 starts, averaging 8.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game before earning his NCAA Division I scholarship.

Legal Hurdles Ahead of November Season Opener

Pang’s legal representatives are currently working to secure his release on bond to resolve the F-1 visa discrepancy before the November college basketball season begins. Whether immigration judges will grant the bond request or enforce the voluntary departure remains undetermined as court proceedings continue.