The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
The list, released on the agency’s website, places the affected Nigerians among what the DHS described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Although the names and photographs have been made public, U.S. authorities did not disclose when the deportations would take place or provide details of the specific offences committed by those listed.
In a statement accompanying the release, the DHS said the action forms part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Under DHS 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,” the statement said.
Among the Nigerians listed are Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba, alongside more than 100 others.
The latest move is part of the sweeping immigration measures introduced by President Donald Trump following his return to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate the deportation of undocumented migrants.
One of the executive orders, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and removal of migrants deemed removable under U.S. law, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security.
The DHS said the administration is fulfilling President Trump’s campaign pledge to carry out mass deportations, beginning with non-citizens convicted of serious criminal offences. It added that ICE officers have been directed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the policy, stating that the administration remains committed to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
According to official U.S. immigration data, Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. The U.S. has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has also faced increased immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
