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The United States government has released an updated list of 124 Nigerians facing possible deportation as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement operations targeting foreign nationals with criminal convictions.
The disclosure was made in a statement published on the official website of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, where the agency identified the individuals as part of its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
The DHS also published the names and photographs of those listed but did not provide details on when the deportation process would be carried out.
DHS Cites Criminal Convictions
According to the agency, the individuals featured on the list are among non-citizens in the United States who have been convicted of serious offences.
However, the department did not disclose the specific crimes linked to each person or provide additional information about their individual cases.
The DHS said the move forms part of wider immigration enforcement efforts aimed at removing foreign nationals who have criminal records or are considered priorities for removal under US immigration laws.
In its statement, the agency said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to carrying out deportations, beginning with individuals it described as serious criminal offenders.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement read.
“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.”
Nigerians Included On List
The published register included several Nigerians among those facing possible removal from the United States.
Some of the Nigerian names listed include Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam and Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola.
The release of the list comes amid renewed immigration enforcement measures introduced under US President Donald Trump following his return to office on January 20, 2025.
Trump Administration Expands Deportation Efforts
On his first day in office, Trump signed several executive orders aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement, including declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to increase border security measures.
One of the directives, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the removal of migrants considered eligible for deportation, particularly those accused of posing threats to public safety or national security.
The DHS said the latest enforcement campaign aligns with the administration’s promise to carry out large-scale deportations, beginning with individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes.
The department added that officers from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been instructed to increase operations targeting non-citizens with criminal records across the country.
White House Defends Policy
The immigration crackdown has received support from officials within the Trump administration.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the policy, stating that the administration remained committed to enforcing existing immigration laws.
She said removing undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions was part of the government’s responsibility to protect American communities.
Deportations Expand Beyond Americas
Although countries in Latin America have recorded some of the highest numbers of deportations since the renewed immigration measures began, US authorities have also expanded removal operations to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador are among the countries that have reportedly experienced significant numbers of deportation cases.
Nigeria has also attracted increased attention from US authorities in recent months.
In June, Washington introduced partial visa restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens, citing concerns surrounding identity management systems, information sharing, visa overstays and security screening procedures.
The latest deportation list adds to ongoing discussions around immigration enforcement between the United States and countries affected by the policy.
While the DHS maintains that the measures are focused on removing individuals with criminal convictions, immigration advocates have continued to call for transparency and proper review of each case before deportation decisions are finalised.
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