An Argentine soccer player competing for a semi-professional team in Miami was detained by ICE agents while traveling with the squad to a playoff match.
Matias Alejandro Pourrain, a member of Miami United, which competes in the United Premier Soccer League, was en-route to a knockout match in Los Angeles when he was detained at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on August 6.
Pourrain, 34, had cleared Transportation Security Administration when he was stopped, questioned and then was arrested by federal agents. He is currently being held in Glades County Detention center, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS officials claim Pourrain had entered the country legally back in 2019, but that he had overstayed his visa.
The department claims he entered on a six-month visa at the time, a claim which is strongly denied by Miami United as well as Pourrain’s former team, Club de Lyon.
A spokesperson for Miami United told the Miami Herald that three individuals approached the Argentine after clearing security.
Matias Pourrain, an Argentine semi-pro soccer player, was detained in Fort Lauderdale by ICE
Pourrain (seen above in 2021) was traveling to a playoff match when agents detained him
ICE says Pourrain overstayed his visa, a claim both his current and former clubs are denying
In a statement, DHS says Pourrain entered on November 12, 2019, but stayed past May 11, 2020 ‘in violation of our nation’s laws.’
‘Pourrain will remain in ICE custody pending his removal proceedings and will receive full due process,’ the statement said. Officials also described his being in detention ‘a choice.’
Meanwhile, Club de Lyon, the club Pourrain played for before joining Miami United, is coming to the player’s defense saying he was in the country legally.
‘He originally entered the United States legally with a visa. He has had a pending asylum case for years, a valid work permit, a Florida ID, and no criminal record,’ the club wrote in a social media post. ‘During all these years, Matías has worked, paid his taxes, maintained his documentation, and built a life and a community here.’
In a statement, Miami United said the club was ‘deeply shocked’ by the detention of Pourrain, who also coaches in the Miami United academy, and that they have supported the player and his family along the way.
‘We are cooperating with all parties involved and doing everything within our ability to help resolve this situation in the best possible way,’ the club’s statement read.
‘Matias is not only an exceptional footballer, but an even better person and an important part of the Miami United family. His teammates, coaches, staff and the entire club stand firmly behind him and his family.’
The Daily Mail has also contacted Miami United for further comment on this matter.
Regina de Moraes, Pourrain’s attorney, told the Miami New Times she has filed a motion for bond and requested a hearing date.
