Ex-Indianapolis Colts linebacker removed from the United States over immigration violations and criminal convictions.
Former Kenyan NFL player Daniel Adongo has been deported from the United States after immigration authorities said he overstayed his visa and had multiple criminal convictions. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker was removed from the country on June 20,
According to ICE, Adongo, 37, remained in the United States after his visa expired in 2016, a year after his professional American football career ended. The agency said a deportation order was issued against him on March 23 before he was removed from the country,
ICE described Adongo as a “dangerous individual” and said his deportation followed several arrests over the past decade. Authorities alleged he had been arrested for offences including felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct,
Douglas Thompson, Assistant Field Office Director for ICE Chicago, said immigration laws apply equally to everyone, including former professional athletes. He added that authorities believe the community is safer following Adongo’s removal,
Adongo rose to international attention in 2013 after making the rare transition from rugby to American football despite having no previous experience in the sport. He spent two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before leaving the NFL,
The former athlete has not publicly commented on the allegations or his deportation. US authorities have also not confirmed the country to which he was removed,
Following his football career, Adongo reportedly struggled with mental health challenges. According to previous reports, his family and lawyers said he suffered from mental illness and injuries that may have been linked to his sporting career,
In 2017, a judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation after Adongo faced criminal charges. He was later found incompetent to stand trial and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Court proceedings were delayed several times due to further mental health assessments,
ICE said Adongo was later convicted in 2020 of criminal mischief involving property damage and sentenced to 364 days in prison. The agency also said his most recent charges fell under the Laken Riley Act, which requires undocumented immigrants arrested for certain offences to remain in custody while awaiting trial,
US authorities say more than 40 Kenyan nationals have been arrested by ICE. Adongo’s deportation comes as immigration enforcement remains a major focus of President Donald Trump’s administration.
