Former NFL Player Daniel Adongo Deported to Kenya by ICE

**Ex-NFL Player Daniel Adongo Deported to Kenya After Visa Overstay**

Daniel Adongo, the first Kenyan to compete in the National Football League (NFL), has been forcibly returned to Kenya following his overstay of a US visa. The deportation was confirmed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 25, with Adongo leaving the United States on June 20, 2023.

Adongo, who played as a linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts, saw his NFL career come to an end in 2016. Following this, he found himself in legal troubles that culminated in numerous arrests and convictions over the last decade. He was detained at the Miami Correctional Facility during his time with ICE, as reported by media outlets, including the Indy Star.

The athlete’s struggles with the law have included charges for felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct. In 2020, he was convicted of criminal mischief, resulting in a 364-day jail sentence. Adongo’s issues with the law have drawn attention, along with concerns raised by his family about his mental health, which they argue has been adversely affected by the pressures of professional sport.

Born in Nairobi, Adongo originally made his mark in professional rugby, playing in both South Africa and New Zealand before transitioning to American football. He began his NFL journey in 2013 when he signed with the Colts, a move that marked his first arrival in the United States. During his tenure with the Colts, he participated in five games, primarily stationed as an outside linebacker, before being released from the team in December 2015.

The circumstances of his release were concerning; police were called to his Indianapolis home due to a report from a live-in partner who allegedly texted a friend requesting assistance. When officers arrived, the woman declined medical help and could not explain her earlier message, which added strain to the already tumultuous situation Adongo was facing.

In light of his legal difficulties, Adongo’s most recent charges were processed under the Laken Riley Act, a federal law mandating detention for individuals in the United States who are found to be in violation of immigration laws. This act played a crucial role in the decision to deport him after he overstayed his visa.

Adongo’s family believes that his insights into mental health issues stem from his sports career and the subsequent challenges he faced after leaving the NFL. In 2017, a judge declared him incompetent to stand trial, leading to a stay at a psychiatric facility. This has raised questions regarding the support systems available for athletes post-career and the mental health challenges many may encounter.

As he begins this new chapter in Kenya, the future remains uncertain for Adongo. His situation highlights the complex intersections of immigration law, mental health, and the reality facing athletes who transition away from professional sports.

The Indianapolis Colts have yet to comment on Adongo’s deportation and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the NFL. The broader implications of his case may prompt discussions on how former athletes are supported as they navigate life after sports, particularly those who might struggle with mental health challenges.