Argentine footballer Matias Pourrain detained by ICE

Argentine footballer Matias Pourrain remains in custody after being transferred by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from Florida to a detention center in Texas without prior notice. The 34-year-old player, who competes for Miami United FC, was originally detained at a Miami airport on August 6 while preparing to travel to Los Angeles for a match.

The sudden transfer to the Rio Grande Detention Center in Laredo, Texas, resulted in the cancellation of a bail hearing that was scheduled to take place this Wednesday in Florida. Pourrain has resided in the United States since 2019 on a tourist visa and has an active application for residency.

His attorney, Regina de Moraes, stated that the transfer undermines the legal process and prevents a timely hearing. She noted that the move has delayed the possibility of his release by several weeks, as a new request must now be filed before a different judge in Texas.