Argentine soccer player Matías Pourrain detained by ICE

Matías Alejandro Pourrain, a 34-year-old Argentine semi-professional soccer player for Miami United, is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was detained at Fort Lauderdale International Airport last Thursday while traveling with his team to Los Angeles for a championship semifinal match.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Pourrain exceeded the legal period of stay permitted by his visa. According to DHS, Pourrain entered the United States legally via Atlanta in November 2019 with a six-month authorization, but remained in the country past May 11, 2020.

Pourrain is being held at the Glades County detention center awaiting potential deportation. Miami United, which competes in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), expressed deep regret over the incident and confirmed they are providing legal assistance to the player and his family.