NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 9, 2026) — A former Monroe University basketball player who transferred to Mississippi Valley State University has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over an expired visa, and the New Rochelle school said it did not mishandle the transfer of his immigration records.
Qingfang Pang, 21, a 6-foot-9 forward from China who played two seasons for the Monroe Mustangs, was arrested Sept. 29 while attempting to fly from Jackson, Mississippi, to New York, according to his attorney. Pang is being held at the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest. DHS said Pang legally entered the United States on Nov. 17, 2023, with authorization to remain until Sept. 5, 2024. DHS said he overstayed that authorization and later accepted voluntary departure, meaning he would leave the country rather than continue contesting his removal through immigration proceedings.
Pang’s attorney, Marcus Session, disputes the circumstances of the voluntary departure agreement and said his client was unaware that his visa had expired. Session said Pang was trying to return to New York to stay with a family friend who had sponsored him and helped him navigate his time in the United States.
A Monroe University spokesperson told Front Office Sports that the university had informed Pang it would transfer his immigration records to Mississippi Valley State once it received a formal request from the receiving institution. Monroe said it had been prepared to do so since the spring but did not receive that request until Oct. 7, more than a week after Pang’s arrest.
“We have stood ready to do so since last spring, but hadn’t received any such formal request until yesterday,” the spokesperson told Front Office Sports on Oct. 8.
“Any suggestion that Monroe failed to fulfill its responsibilities is unfounded. We wish Mr. Pang a speedy resolution to this matter,” the spokesperson added.
It remains unclear whether the timing of the records transfer contributed to Pang’s immigration difficulties or whether his immigration status could have been resolved before his detention.
Pang attended Christ the King High School in Queens and St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, before enrolling at Monroe University. During the 2025-26 season, he appeared in 31 games for the Mustangs, averaging 8.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
He later transferred to Mississippi Valley State, an NCAA Division I program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and is registered as a full-time student there.
Mississippi Valley State said it is aware of the situation and is deeply concerned for the student’s well-being. “University officials are closely monitoring the situation and are committed to providing appropriate support as circumstances develop,” the university said.
Session told Mississippi television station WJTV that Pang wants to return to school and continue his basketball career.
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“He wants to resume going to school,” Session said. “He wants to play college basketball. He wants to be a 21-year-old kid who’s just trying to make a life for himself.”
According to Front Office Sports, attorney Nichole Francis Reynolds, who is assisting with Pang’s case, said several members of Congress have agreed to make inquiries, led by Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi.
Pang’s detention comes amid other recent immigration enforcement cases involving college basketball players. Kentucky State University player Aminata Seck was released on bond this week after about two months in ICE custody. Southern Connecticut State University player Deng Deng was also recently released after being detained.
As of Friday, Pang remained in immigration custody in Louisiana. His attorney has requested a bond hearing, and his prospects for returning to Mississippi Valley State and resuming his basketball career remain uncertain.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
Have information about this story? Email robertcox@talkofthesound (preferred) or contact via WhatsApp: +353 089 972 0669.