U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Chicago have removed Daniel Ogama Adongo, a 37-year-old former NFL player from Kenya, for overstaying his visa. Adongo, who had a criminal record, was removed on June 20, according to ICE.
Adongo played linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts from 2013 to 2015. Since his time in the NFL, he has faced multiple arrests over the past decade. In 2020, he was convicted of criminal mischief with damage and received a one-year jail sentence. His other arrests include charges of felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct.
Adongo originally came to the United States after being recruited as a rugby player. He overstayed his visa in 2016, and a Department of Justice immigration judge ordered his removal in March. ICE stated that under the Laken Riley Act, individuals in the country illegally who are convicted of certain crimes are subject to mandatory detention without bond.
"This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is now safer since he’s been removed," ICE Chicago Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson said in a statement. "Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes."
ICE also emphasized its efforts to arrest and deport individuals with criminal records, stating that nearly 70% of its arrests are of undocumented immigrants charged or convicted of crimes in the U.S. The agency issued a clear message: "If you come to our country illegally, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you."