INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Daniel Ogama Adongo has been deported to his native Kenya after federal immigration authorities determined he was unlawfully living in the United States following the expiration of his visa.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Adongo, 37, was removed from the United States on June 20 after an immigration judge with the Department of Justice ordered his removal on March 23. ICE said Adongo remained in the country after his visa expired in 2016, following the end of his NFL career.
ICE cites repeated arrests in Indiana
ICE said Adongo was arrested multiple times by Indiana law enforcement during the past nine years on charges including felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.
The agency said he was convicted of criminal mischief resulting in property damage in 2020 and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
According to ICE, Adongo’s most recent criminal charges fell under the Laken Riley Act, a federal law signed by President Donald Trump in January 2025 requiring the detention of certain noncitizens charged with specified crimes while their immigration cases are pending.
Former rugby standout became first Kenyan in the NFL
“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.
“Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes,” Thompson added.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Adongo built a successful rugby career in South Africa and New Zealand before transitioning to American football. He became the first Kenyan to play in the NFL after signing with the Colts in 2013 through the league's international player development efforts and appeared with the team during the 2013 through 2015 seasons.
ICE said Adongo has now been removed from the United States following the immigration court’s order.
