U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expelled former NFL linebacker Daniel Adongo after visa overstay and multiple arrests. Repeated psychiatric evaluations and a prison sentence added layers to the case.

Key Takeaways

  • Adongo overstayed his visa in 2016, a year after his NFL career ended.
  • He faced multiple arrests over a decade for felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.
  • ICE removed him from the United States on June 20, 2024.

Background

Daniel Adongo, 37, played linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts from 2013 to 2015. He made headlines in 2013 when he switched from rugby in Kenya to American football without prior experience, becoming one of the few African athletes in the NFL.

Charges and Arrests

According to ICE, Adongo was arrested “multiple times” over the past ten years for crimes including felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct. In 2020 he was convicted of “criminal mischief with damage” and sentenced to 364 days in prison.

Legal Proceedings and Mental Health

In 2017 a judge ordered a psychiatric examination after he faced intimidation and criminal mischief charges. The evaluation deemed him incompetent to stand trial, leading to his stay in a psychiatric hospital and repeated trial postponements.

Deportation Outcome

ICE labeled him a “dangerous individual” and ordered his removal on March 23. He was finally deported on June 20, 2024, though the destination country was not disclosed.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the case underscores how U.S. immigration enforcement is increasingly applied to high‑profile individuals, sending a clear message that fame does not grant immunity from immigration law.

“Violations of immigration law are prosecuted equally, regardless of a person’s celebrity status,” said an ICE spokesperson.
Did You Know?: The Laken Riley Act, cited in this case, was signed into law by President Trump in January 2025 and mandates detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft or violent crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was Daniel Adongo deported to? Official statements have not disclosed the destination, but sources suggest he was returned to Kenya.

Will this deportation affect other athletes? It serves as a warning that all non‑citizen athletes must strictly comply with U.S. immigration regulations.