Ex-NFL player Daniel Adongo deported from US after criminal convictions

Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Daniel Ogama Adongo has been deported from the United States to his native Kenya after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) concluded removal proceedings against him.

The 37-year-old, who switched from rugby to American football and spent two seasons with the Colts between 2013 and 2015, was found to have overstayed his visa after his NFL career ended in 2015.

According to ICE, Adongo remained in the country illegally from 2016.

Over the past nine years, Adongo was arrested several times in Indiana on charges including felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.

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In 2020, he was convicted of criminal mischief involving property damage and received a 364-day jail sentence.

His latest charges fell under the Laken Riley Act, a federal law signed by President Donald Trump on January 29, 2025.

The legislation requires the detention without bond of undocumented immigrants accused of certain offences and was introduced following the killing of nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia.

An immigration judge with the Department of Justice ordered Adongo’s removal on March 23, 2026 and the ICE removed him on June 20, 2026.

“This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is now safer since he’s been removed. Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes,” ICE Chicago Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson "said.

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