ICE deports Daniel Adongo, first Kenyan-born NFL player, for visa overstay and arrests

Jul 24, 2026

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported Daniel Ogama Adongo, the first Kenyan-born NFL player, on June 20, 2026. Adongo overstayed his visa in 2016 and faced multiple arrests in Indiana, leading to a 2020 misdemeanor conviction and detention under the Laken Riley Act. While ICE labeled Adongo a threat, his family and lawyers argue his actions stemmed from severe mental illness and potential Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy caused by his athletic career.

Daniel Adongo deportation

▪A federal immigration judge ordered the removal of Daniel Ogama Adongo in March 2026.
▪U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported former NFL player Daniel Ogama Adongo to Kenya on June 20, 2026.

Visa overstay

▪U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not specify why Daniel Ogama Adongo was not deported earlier for his 2016 visa overstay.
▪Daniel Ogama Adongo overstayed his United States visa starting in 2016, the same year his NFL career ended.

Criminal charges history

▪Daniel Ogama Adongo was convicted of misdemeanor criminal mischief with damage in 2020 and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
▪Daniel Ogama Adongo faced charges of felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct that were ultimately dismissed.

Traumatic brain injury concerns

▪Medical professionals and attorneys stated that Daniel Ogama Adongo was diagnosed as acutely psychotic and may suffer from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.
▪Judges twice found Daniel Ogama Adongo incompetent to stand trial, leading to his placement in a psychiatric facility in 2017.

Laken Riley Act enforcement

▪U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not specify which of Daniel Ogama Adongo's charges triggered detention under the Laken Riley Act.
▪Daniel Ogama Adongo was detained without bond under the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention for undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes.

Kenyan NFL career

▪The Indianapolis Colts waived Daniel Ogama Adongo in December 2015 following two domestic disturbance police calls to his home.
▪Daniel Ogama Adongo became the first Kenyan-born player in the NFL when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in July 2013.