A Nigerian national accused of fatally stabbing a UMass Dartmouth football player entered the United States on a tourist visa, overstayed his authorized period and later received deferred action under both the Biden and Trump administrations, according to multiple federal law enforcement sources who spoke with Fox News.
Chukwunonso Uzoma David Uzoma Eze faces a murder charge in the death of 19-year-old UMass Dartmouth football player Marvins Antoine. The fatal stabbing occurred during an altercation over the weekend in Providence, Rhode Island.
Another 19-year-old player, Kensley Macean, was wounded in the head and neck and transported to Rhode Island Hospital, the Providence Police Department said.
Federal sources told Fox News that Eze initially entered the United States in 2015 using a B-2 tourist visa.
The sources said Eze received two visa extensions during the Obama administration, but remained in the country after his authorized stay expired.
In September 2022, the Biden administration approved Eze’s request for deferred action, according to the sources.
Eze submitted additional deferred-action applications in February 2025 and October 2025. The later request was approved by the Trump administration on Oct. 8, 2025, the sources said.
Deferred action is a discretionary measure that temporarily postpones an individual’s removal from the United States. It does not grant lawful immigration status.
The Department of Homeland Security said Eze applied for employment authorization in August 2023, but the application was denied the following month.
He filed another employment authorization application in February 2025, citing his deferred-action status. DHS said that request remains pending.
DHS said Eze’s deferred action will be terminated if he is convicted of murder.
The stabbing happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot outside Mezzo Lounge, Providence police said.
Police said the confrontation involved individuals who had been inside the lounge before the stabbing took place.
Antoine died after suffering a stab wound to the chest. Macean sustained stab wounds to his head and neck.
Eze was later found and taken into custody by the UMass Dartmouth Police Department, according to police.
