Renowned Australian MMA coach Renato Subotic has shared a harrowing account of his recent experience in the United States, where he was detained due to a visa issue. The 33-year-old coach, who has played a pivotal role in leading Australia’s national MMA team, described the ordeal as a “chaotic” and humiliating nightmare that saw him incarcerated alongside violent offenders. His experience has raised significant concerns about the immigration enforcement practices currently in place within the United States.

Subotic traveled to the US to conduct a seminar aimed at enhancing skills and techniques among MMA enthusiasts. However, upon arrival, he was intercepted at the border and whisked away to a secluded interrogation room. There, he was subjected to an intense three-hour questioning session. In a post shared on Instagram, Subotic recounted, “The officer interviewing me looked like he was looking for something wrong,” despite his efforts to be cooperative and transparent regarding the details of his travel plans.

Ultimately, the interrogation concluded with Subotic being informed of a visa error, resulting in his unexpected transfer to jail. “I was handcuffed, stripped of my belongings, and forced into a prison uniform,” he elaborated. This marked the beginning of an alarming chapter in his journey in the US, as he was subsequently transported to a federal facility where he was fingerprinted and photographed for records.

Upon entering the prison, Subotic faced a horrifying reality. He characterized the atmosphere as chaotic and hostile, describing his first impressions: “They walked me to my block – 4B. The moment the door opened, it was chaos. Fights between gangs, people screaming, arguing over food, what to watch on TV, crazy people running around. Madness.” The deplorable conditions of the jail were further emphasized when he recounted finding a mattress that was stained with both urine and blood.

During his detention, Subotic experienced a further escalation of violence when he returned to his cell only to discover two men attempting to steal his blanket. This confrontation led to a physical altercation, prompting a guard to intervene with a stark warning: “You got a good welcome. Keep your head straight or you're gonna stay here longer.” The entire detention lasted approximately 24 hours before he was escorted to the airport.

At the airport, Subotic was placed in a holding room with no clear indication of when he would return home. “Eventually, I got information: I was being deported,” he stated. Prior to boarding his flight, a federal officer approached him to express regret over the situation, admitting, “They messed up big. It shouldn’t have gone this way.”

Now back in Australia, Subotic is consulting with legal professionals to address the implications of his wrongful detention. He has voiced respect for immigration protocols but has been vocal about his indignation regarding the treatment he received. “It’s insane how easily someone can take away your freedom… Just like that, you’re treated like the worst criminal,” he lamented. His case emerges during a tumultuous time in US immigration policy, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies enforcement measures. Recently, the administration revoked temporary legal status for over 500,000 immigrants, and Subotic’s experience is emblematic of the broader issues of how foreign visitors are treated for minor visa infractions.

In his closing remarks, Subotic expressed a hope that others would not endure a similar fate. “I hope this never happens to nobody else,” he stated, highlighting the need for reform within the immigration system.