The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 79 convicted Nigerians listed among the “worst-of-the-worst” criminal aliens in the country.
According to DHS data, the Nigerians slated for deportation were convicted of offences including fraud, drug trafficking, assault, manslaughter, and robbery. The arrests form part of a broader crackdown on criminal and illegal immigrants by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A DHS statement said the operation, led under the direction of Under Secretary Noem, reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritising deportation of high-risk offenders. “The hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling the administration’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst-of-the-worst, including the illegal aliens listed here,” the statement read.
Among those named for deportation are Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, and Oluwole Odunowo. Others include Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba, Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, and Isaiah Okere.
The remaining individuals cover a range of convictions, with names spanning all regions of Nigeria. ICE’s intensified deportation campaign has reportedly caused concern among Nigerians in the U.S., with some going into hiding and others returning home discreetly.
The enforcement actions, including house-to-house raids, have sparked panic, debate, and protest, particularly following a series of high-profile incidents involving federal immigration officers. The initiative forms part of the administration’s ongoing effort to remove criminal and undocumented immigrants while prioritising public safety.
