Ex-Colts linebacker Daniel Adongo deported after ICE detention, officials confirm
Former Indianapolis Colts Linebacker Daniel Adongo Sent Back to Kenya Following Immigration Detention
Cybersecarmor.com – Federal authorities have officially confirmed that Daniel Adongo, the Kenyan rugby player who became one of the NFL's most unexpected roster additions, has been deported from the United States. The 37-year-old linebacker's journey through the American legal and immigration system has spanned more than ten years, marked by numerous arrests, court appearances, and psychiatric evaluations.
Immigration Proceedings and Detention
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced on Saturday that Adongo was removed from the country on June 20, following a Justice Department immigration judge's removal order issued in March. The agency confirmed that Adongo had been held in custody for several months prior to his departure.
According to ICE officials, Adongo violated his visa terms by remaining in the United States beyond the authorized period in 2016, which occurred one year after his professional football career concluded. He was detained without bond under provisions of the Laken Riley Act, legislation designed to strengthen immigration enforcement. Department representatives characterized Adongo as presenting a potential danger to public safety.
"Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes," stated Douglas Thompson, assistant field office director for ICE Chicago, in an official statement.
USA TODAY has contacted ICE officials to determine the specific destination country for Adongo's deportation.
Legal and Medical History
Adongo carries a single criminal conviction, classified as a Class A misdemeanor for criminal mischief in 2020. He received a sentence of 364 days in jail for this offense, according to immigration records. Additional arrests involving intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct resulted in dismissed charges.
Legal documentation examined by the Indianapolis Star reveals that judges determined Adongo was incompetent to stand trial on two separate occasions. In one medical filing, Dr. Jason Jaronik documented that Adongo was experiencing acute psychosis and suggested the possibility of a traumatic brain injury sustained during his football career.
Betty Adongo, the player's mother, petitioned the court for her son's release to facilitate medical evaluation. Family members and social workers have expressed their belief that his mental health condition stems from athletic injuries accumulated throughout his sports career. Medical professionals note that establishing such connections in living patients remains challenging.
Attempts to reach Betty Adongo on Saturday did not yield immediate results.
From Rugby to the NFL
Adongo's path to professional football began in South Africa, where he was competing in Super Rugby at age 23 when Colts general manager Ryan Grigson signed him in July 2013. Remarkably, he had never watched a football game prior to his signing. The Indianapolis organization dedicated an entire season to instructing him on the fundamentals of the sport on their practice field.
During his tenure with the Colts, Adongo appeared in five games across three seasons, recording a single defensive snap. He accumulated approximately $694,000 in earnings during his time with the franchise.
Indianapolis released Adongo in December 2015, shortly after law enforcement responded to his residence regarding a domestic disturbance report. This marked the second police call to his home within a two-month period. Authorities did not file charges in either incident.
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