Treated Like the Worst Criminal”: Australian MMA Coach Details U.S. Federal Prison Nightmare
Sydney/New York: In a chilling account that has gone viral across social media, Australian MMA coach Renato Subotic described a terrifying experience inside a U.S. federal prison, triggered by what authorities later called a visa error.
What began as a routine trip for a coaching seminar turned into a 24-hour ordeal that Subotic says left him emotionally and psychologically shaken.
“I believe in respecting the rules,” Subotic wrote on Instagram. “But putting someone in federal prison over a missing detail in a visa application? That’s crazy.”
From Arrival to Incarceration
Upon arrival in the U.S., Subotic was stopped by immigration officers, despite providing full documentation and clearly stating his intent to coach at a seminar. He was interrogated for three hours before being informed that there was an issue with his visa—and that he would be going to jail.
“No real explanation, no rights, no chance to call anyone,” he recounted.
He was transported to a federal facility, fingerprinted, stripped of personal belongings, and issued prison clothes. His assigned mattress, he says, was soaked in blood and urine. The environment was filled with screaming, violence, and threats.
Fights, Gangs, and a Sleepless Night
During the night, two inmates tried to steal Subotic’s blanket, leading to a physical altercation. Afterward, he was warned about possible retaliation. His cellmate for the night? One of the attackers.
“I didn’t close my eyes. I didn’t trust my cellmate. You could hear the screams—violence, maybe worse. I just waited for morning.”
An unexpected moment of support came when a Venezuelan inmate, who recognized Subotic as a fighter, invited him to a Christian prayer circle, offering brief safety in a dangerous space.
Release and Regret
At dawn, Subotic was told he would be released and deported. His clothes were returned, and he was quietly escorted to the airport. Later, a federal officer admitted that a mistake had been made and apologized.
“It’s insane how easily someone can take your freedom away. No explanation, no process. Just like that, I was in a prison cell with violent criminals—for a paperwork error.”
Wider Concerns Raised
The MMA coach Renato Subotic U.S. prison experience has raised serious questions about immigration detention practices in the U.S. Critics are calling for greater transparency, proper training, and checks to prevent abuse of power during visa enforcement.
As the story gains traction internationally, many are asking: How many others have endured similar treatment—without the platform to speak out?
