Argentine footballer Matías Pourrain detained by U.S. immigration

Argentine footballer Matías Pourrain, 34, faces detention in the United States after being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Fort Lauderdale Airport. Pourrain, who plays for Miami United in the fourth tier of U.S. soccer, was detained on Thursday as he prepared to board a flight to Los Angeles with his teammates for an upcoming match.

Pourrain's family has launched a campaign for his release, asserting that he entered the U.S. legally and has no criminal record. His lawyer, Regina Borges de Moraes, confirmed that Pourrain has a pending application for permanent residency. She described his arrest as unusual, given his clean record and legal status.

"He is well, scared, but well," the lawyer stated, adding that she plans to file a motion for his release on bail, estimated between $1,500 and $3,000, next week.

Pourrain has dedicated his life to football, starting his career in Argentina's lower divisions with Real Pilar. He was part of the team that achieved a significant victory against Vélez in the Copa Argentina in 2019. He later moved to the U.S., playing for clubs like Miami Beach, Miami City, and Club de Lyon before joining his current team, Miami United.

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He is well, scared, but well.