US deports first Kenyan-born NFL player over criminal record, visa overstay

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported Daniel Ogama Adongo, the first Kenyan-born NFL player, citing his criminal record and overstaying his visa. Adongo, a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts from 2013 to 2015, remained in the United States after his visa expired in 2016.

ICE reported that Adongo faced multiple arrests in Indiana over the past nine years for offenses including aggravated intimidation, assault, and public disorder. He also received a nearly year-long jail sentence in 2020 for property damage.

His recent charges were filed under the Laken Riley law, enacted in January 2025, which mandates the detention of certain "illegal immigrants" accused of specific crimes without bail. "This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is safer now that he has been removed," stated Douglas Thompson, assistant director of the ICE office in Chicago. "All those who violate immigration law will be held accountable, including former professional athletes."

The deportation occurs amid a surge in immigration arrests in the U.S., with over 43,000 arrests recorded in June by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CPB), marking the highest figure since the start of Trump's second presidency in January 2025.

“

This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is safer now that he has been removed. All those who violate immigration law will be held accountable, including former professional athletes.