Former Kenyan rugby player and former National Football League (NFL) linebacker Daniel Adongo has been deported to Kenya by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after US immigration authorities said he overstayed his visa.

According to ICE and US media reports, Adongo, 37, was removed from the United States on June 20 after an immigration judge ordered his removal in March.

Authorities said the order followed findings that he had remained in the country after his visa expired in 2016.

ICE said Adongo's removal was also influenced by his criminal record in the United States, including a 2020 conviction for criminal mischief.

The agency said Adongo had previously been arrested on charges including felony intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.

ICE did not indicate in its statement whether those arrests resulted in additional convictions.

ICE Chicago Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson said the deportation formed part of the agency's efforts to enforce US immigration laws.

"Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes," Thompson said.

According to ICE, Adongo was sentenced to one year in jail following his 2020 criminal mischief conviction involving property damage.

The agency also said Adongo became subject to mandatory detention after overstaying his visa, citing the Laken Riley Act, which requires certain undocumented immigrants convicted of specified offences to be detained while immigration proceedings are ongoing.

Adongo made a remarkable transition from rugby to American football after signing with the Indianapolis Colts in 2013 despite having no previous experience in the sport.

He played as a linebacker during the 2013 and 2014 NFL seasons before leaving the team in 2015.

Before moving to the United States, Adongo represented Kenya in rugby and was regarded as one of the country's promising athletes.

In announcing the deportation, ICE reiterated its commitment to enforcing US immigration laws, saying individuals with criminal convictions remain a priority for immigration enforcement. (The STAR, Kenya)

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