The Former Indianapolis Colts Linebacker, Who Became the First Kenyan to Play in the NFL, Was Removed From the United States Following an Immigration Judge’s Order
Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Daniel Adongo has been deported to Kenya by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, years after the agency said his visa expired.
Adongo, who became the first Kenyan to play in the NFL, was removed from the United States on June 20 after an immigration judge ordered his deportation.
According to an ICE news release, a Department of Justice immigration judge issued Adongo’s removal order on March 23, 2026. He was held at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, before being returned to Kenya.
Daniel Adongo Made NFL History With the Colts
The Nairobi-born athlete moved to the United States in 2013 after signing with the Indianapolis Colts despite never having played organized American football.
Before changing sports, Adongo played professional rugby in South Africa and New Zealand. His signing with Indianapolis made him the first Kenyan-born athlete to play in the NFL.
Adongo appeared in five games during two seasons with the Colts, primarily playing linebacker and contributing on special teams. Indianapolis released him in December 2015.
ICE said Adongo’s visa expired in 2016.
ICE Cites Adongo’s Criminal Record
In announcing Adongo’s removal, ICE cited several arrests and a misdemeanor conviction.
The former football player had been arrested on charges that included felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct. In 2020, he was convicted of misdemeanor criminal mischief involving property damage and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
ICE said Adongo’s most recent charges placed him under the detention requirements of the Laken Riley Act. The federal law requires immigration authorities to detain certain noncitizens who are arrested for or accused of specified offenses.
An arrest or criminal charge does not by itself constitute a conviction.
Family Described Mental Health Struggles After NFL Career
Adongo’s family has previously said he experienced serious mental health challenges following the end of his professional football career.
PEOPLE, citing reporting from the Indianapolis Star, reported that a judge found Adongo incompetent after a psychiatric evaluation in 2017. He later received treatment at a psychiatric facility.
Deportation Raises Broader Concerns for Black Migrants
Adongo’s deportation comes amid growing scrutiny of the effects of immigration enforcement on Black migrants.
A recent analysis by TheGrio found that Black immigrants face deportation at rates substantially higher than their share of the undocumented immigrant population. The analysis also found that Black migrants account for a disproportionate percentage of reported abuse in ICE custody.
Immigration advocates have long argued that Black immigrants can face overlapping racial and immigration-related disparities throughout the detention and deportation process.
