Former NFL Player Daniel Adongo Deported to Kenya by ICE
Daniel Adongo, the first Kenyan to reach the NFL, was deported to his home country on June 20. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed the removal of the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker following a lengthy period of detention at the Miami Correctional Facility.
Adongo arrived in the United States in 2013 to pursue a professional career in American football. His visa expired in 2016, one year after the Colts released him from the roster. Since leaving the league, Adongo faced several legal challenges, including multiple arrests and convictions for felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct. In 2020, he received a sentence for criminal mischief after damaging property.
His case aligns with current federal enforcement protocols. Reports indicate that his recent detention stemmed from the Laken Riley Act, which mandates specific procedures for non-citizens with criminal records. Throughout these proceedings, his family stated that the former athlete struggled with significant mental health issues, which they attribute to his long tenure in competitive sports.
Following his removal, Adongo returns to Kenya after over a decade in the United States. His departure marks the end of a complex period that began with his historic entry into the NFL and concluded with federal authorities overseeing his exit from the country.