WARRI/Nigeria: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the identities of 124 Nigerians facing deportation after being convicted of various criminal offences, as the administration of President Donald Trump intensifies its immigration enforcement campaign.
The names and photographs of the affected Nigerians were released on the DHS website under what the agency described as its updated register of the “worst-of-the-worst” criminal offenders targeted for removal from the United States. However, the agency did not disclose the specific offences committed by each individual or indicate when the deportations would take place.
In a statement accompanying the publication, the department said the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to remove non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE,” the agency stated, adding that the operation aligns with President Trump’s directive to prioritise the deportation of undocumented migrants considered threats to public safety.
Among those listed are Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oriyomi Aloba, Kingsley Ariegwe, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Chima Orji and several others.
The latest action is part of a broader immigration policy introduced after President Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025. On his first day back in office, he signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, strengthening border security and directing federal agencies to accelerate the arrest and removal of deportable migrants, particularly those with criminal convictions.
The White House has defended the policy, insisting that the administration remains committed to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Official U.S. immigration data indicate that Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador have recorded the highest numbers of deportees since the renewed enforcement campaign began. The United States has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has also come under increased immigration scrutiny in recent months. In June, the U.S. government imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening procedures.
