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Gal Yifrach, an Israeli poker professional facing federal charges, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on July 20 at the Los Angeles airport. Details about his travel origin or the reason for his detention remain unclear.
Online records indicate Yifrach is currently being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in Southern California. PokerNews has contacted the facility for additional information and is awaiting a response.
Yifrach, who has amassed more than $2.9 million in live tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob, was indicted in 2022 on charges of running an illegal gambling business and conspiring to commit money laundering. The case has not yet gone to trial.
Prosecutors allege that between January 2018 and January 2022, Yifrach operated and maintained video slot machines as part of an unlawful gambling operation. The indictment further claims he laundered proceeds by converting them into casino chips at a Bell Gardens, California establishment, then exchanging those chips for checks deposited into his bank account, which he allegedly used for real estate and other investments.
Despite the pending case, Yifrach continued competing professionally, notably capturing the 2025 PokerStars NAPT Main Event title at Resorts World for $543,025 after outlasting 405 entrants. He is also a 2018 WSOP bracelet winner, having claimed a $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em event for $461,791.
A longtime U.S. resident and familiar face in high-stakes cash games featured on Live at the Bike and Hustler Casino Live, Yifrach now faces uncertainty over his immigration status as his legal proceedings continue.
