Daniel Adongo, a former Kenyan rugby international and ex-NFL player, was deported from the United States on June 20, 2026, following a decade-long immigration case.
The 37-year-old athlete overstayed his visa, which expired in 2016, and accumulated several criminal convictions during his time in the US. His deportation was ordered by an immigration judge on March 23, 2026, and carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Adongo was detained under the Laken Riley Act, a law mandating detention of undocumented immigrants convicted of certain crimes while awaiting immigration proceedings. In 2020, he was convicted of criminal mischief related to property damage and sentenced to nearly a year in jail. He also faced multiple arrests in Indiana on charges including felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct, though some were later dismissed.
ICE Chicago Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson emphasized public safety in justifying the deportation, stating, "This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is now safer since he's been removed." He added that immigration laws apply equally to all, including former professional athletes.
From Rugby Fields to NFL
Adongo's athletic journey was notable for his transition from rugby to American football. After representing Kenya in rugby, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2013 despite no prior experience in the NFL, becoming the first Kenyan to play in the league. He spent two seasons primarily on special teams before leaving in 2015.
His deportation marks a significant downturn for one of Kenya's most prominent sports figures, closing a chapter that began with promise on international rugby pitches and NFL stadiums.
