The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says plans are on to deport at least 79 Nigerians convicted of various criminal offences as part of its intensified immigration enforcement campaign.
Revealed on the DHS website, the affected Nigerians were listed among what the agency described as the “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants targeted for deportation. The offences linked to those on the list range from fraud and drug trafficking to assault, robbery and manslaughter.
According to DHS, the individuals were arrested by officers of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a nationwide crackdown on criminal and undocumented immigrants.
In a statement accompanying the publication of the list, DHS said the operation was in line with the federal government’s renewed commitment to remove criminal aliens from the country.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the statement said. “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst of the worst.”
Among those listed are Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh and Usman Momoh.
Others include Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba, Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola and Toluwani Adebakin.
Also named are Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla and Christian Ogunghide, among several others.
The latest development is part of a broader immigration enforcement drive by the administration of President Donald Trump, which has stepped up actions against criminal and undocumented migrants across the United States.
Reports indicate that the renewed crackdown has triggered fear within immigrant communities, including Nigerians, with some reportedly going into hiding while others are said to be returning to Nigeria quietly.
The intensified enforcement, which has reportedly included house-to-house raids in some areas, has also sparked debate and protests in parts of the country, following incidents involving federal immigration officers during operations.
