Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
A former NFL player from Kenya has been deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency announced.
Daniel Ogama Adongo, 37, was removed from the U.S. on June 20 after ICE said he overstayed his visa in 2016 – the same year his NFL career ended.
His removal was ordered by an immigration judge in March. Before his deportation, Adongo, 36, was held at Miami Correctional Facility.
Adongo went from being a former rugby player to the first Kenyan to play in the NFL when he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2013. He appeared in five games in the two seasons he played for the team.
ICE says that in addition to the visa issue, Adongo had a string of criminal convictions against him.
Daniel Adongo #56 of the Indianapolis Colts talks to head coach Chuck Pagano after a penalty during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on November 22, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia (Getty Images)
In 2020, he was convicted of criminal mischief with damage, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 364 days in jail, according to NBC News. He ended up serving six months in county jail.
ICE also says that he faced other charges, including felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct, for which he was not convicted and they were dismissed.
“This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is now safer since he’s been removed,” ICE Chicago Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson said in a statement. “Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes.”
Lawyers for Adongo have previously linked his arrests to mental illness and said he was diagnosed as “acutely psychotic with traumatic brain injury,” reported the Indianapolis Star.
In 2017, Adongo spent time at a psychiatric facility after a judge ruled him incompetent following a psychiatric examination, according to the newspaper.
His family has also said they believe he developed mental health issues from playing contact sports.