Australian MMA Coach’s Distressing Experience in the U.S.

Australian MMA coach Renato Subotic has shared the harrowing details of his 24-hour experience in the United States. He traveled there to participate in a seminar, only to find himself imprisoned in a federal facility where he encountered gang violence, intimidation, and was deprived of basic rights, including the ability to make a phone call. In a recent Instagram post, Subotic recounted how he was stripped of his belongings and incarcerated due to a minor oversight in his visa documentation.

Subotic explained that a simple error—specifically a missing detail on his visa application—resulted in him being treated as though he were a “worst criminal.” He expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, “I believe in respecting the rules. But putting someone in federal prison over a missing detail in a visa application? That’s crazy.”

Initial Encounter with U.S. Immigration

Subotic arrived in the U.S. looking forward to leading a seminar, only to have his excitement quickly replaced by fear when he was stopped at the border. “Immigration pulled me aside and took me into an isolated room. The officer questioning me seemed intent on finding something wrong. I provided detailed information about my plans for the seminar, but they were unconvinced,” he noted in his post.

His ordeal continued for over three hours as immigration officials questioned him. They eventually informed him of a visa-related mistake, stating he would be taken to jail “until they figure out what’s next.” Subotic described the experience as bewildering, lacking clear communication or any indication of his rights.

Life in Federal Prison

Upon arriving at the federal prison, Subotic felt completely stripped of his identity, stripped of his personal belongings, and forced to wear prison attire. “They took my clothes, fingerprinted me, searched me, and provided only a blanket and sheet,” he recalled. The chaos he witnessed in the prison was overwhelming, with individuals arguing, screaming, and even a blood-soaked mattress serving as his new resting place.

After confronting two inmates who tried to steal his belongings, Subotic found himself in an unexpected fight, which led to further tension as he was now marked as a target. A Romanian inmate warned him of potential retaliation, but a Venezuelan inmate recognized him and offered support by inviting him to a Christian prayer group.

Final Hours and Deportation

On the following day, Subotic was abruptly woken by a prison guard and informed he was set to leave. His breakfast was unappetizing, and he faced the glare of the inmate he fought the previous day. When his name was called along with five others, he learned he was being released while others faced court appearances. His belongings were returned before he was transported to the airport, where he again faced uncertainty.

Eventually, it was revealed that he was being deported. An officer later apologized, acknowledging that there had been a significant mistake. Reflecting on his surreal experience, Subotic criticized the U.S. authorities for how he was treated, stating, “It’s insane how easily someone can take away your freedom and lock you up in a federal prison without any clear reason.”