An Argentine soccer player for Miami United, a semi-professional team, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while traveling with his squad to a playoff match in Los Angeles. Matias Alejandro Pourrain, 34, was stopped and arrested by federal agents on August 6 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after clearing Transportation Security Administration screening.
Pourrain is currently being held at Glades County Detention Center, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS officials stated that Pourrain entered the U.S. legally in 2019 on a six-month visa but subsequently overstayed, a claim strongly denied by both Miami United and Pourrain's former team, Club de Lyon.
DHS maintains that Pourrain entered on November 12, 2019, and stayed past May 11, 2020, in violation of immigration laws. The department added that Pourrain will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive due process, describing his detention as a "choice."
Club de Lyon issued a statement on social media asserting that Pourrain entered the U.S. legally with a visa and has had a pending asylum case for years, along with a valid work permit, a Florida ID, and no criminal record. The club added that Pourrain has worked, paid taxes, maintained his documentation, and built a life in the U.S. during his time there.
Miami United expressed shock over the detention of Pourrain, who also coaches within the Miami United academy. The club stated they are cooperating with all parties involved to resolve the situation and emphasized Pourrain's importance as "an exceptional footballer, but an even better person and an important part of the Miami United family."
Pourrain's attorney, Regina de Moraes, has filed a motion for bond and requested a hearing date.