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Argentine soccer player detained by ICE at airport, released after 3 weeks in custody

Sep 13, 2026·Location: Miami, FL

Country of origin: Argentina

Argentine soccer player detained by ICE at airport, released after 3 weeks in custody
Photo via buenosairesherald.com

Matías Alejandro Pourrain, a 34-year-old Argentine soccer player for Miami United FC and youth coach, was detained by ICE agents at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on August 6 while preparing to travel with his team to a championship match. He had lived in South Florida since 2019, held a work permit, Social Security number, and Florida state ID, and said he had no criminal record. Pourrain was transferred across multiple facilities, including Krome, one in Miramar, and one in Laredo, Texas, describing being shackled for extended periods, held in overcrowded rooms, and given little or moldy food. His teams, Miami United FC and Club de Lyon FC, described him as an exceptional player and beloved member of their organizations, while his wife, Stefi Almandoz, remained in Miami during his detention. His attorney, Regina Borges, secured a bail hearing, and he was released on a $20,000 bond on August 28 after nearly three weeks in custody, opting for phone check-ins instead of an ankle monitor so he could continue coaching. DHS said Pourrain had overstayed his authorized six-month stay and disputed his claims of inhumane conditions.

Timeline

Sep 13, 2026—Described conditions in detention publicly; DHS disputed his claims
Aug 28, 2026—Released on $20,000 bond after nearly three weeks in ICE custody
Aug 6, 2026—Detained by ICE agents at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport while traveling to a match
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