US Publishes Names, Photos of 124 Nigerians Facing Deportation Over Criminal Convictions
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians facing deportation as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
The list, published on the department’s official website on Wednesday, identifies the Nigerians among individuals placed on what the DHS described as its “worst of the worst” criminal register.
While the names and photographs of those affected have been made public, US authorities have yet to announce when the deportations will commence or provide details of the specific offences committed by those listed.
According to the DHS, the exercise forms part of an ongoing nationwide operation by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aimed at removing non-citizens convicted of serious criminal offences from the country.
In a statement, the department said the enforcement exercise was in line with President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration agenda.
“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 (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, including the illegal aliens you see here,” the statement read.
The published list includes 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 and Oriyomi Aloba, among many others.
The latest action is part of the sweeping immigration measures introduced following President Trump’s return to office on January 20, 2025. On his first day back in office, he signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants.
One of the executive orders, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security.
Defending the policy, the DHS said the administration was fulfilling President Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with what it described as the most dangerous criminal offenders.
The department added that ICE officers had been directed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, reflecting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America. The United States has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as enforcement operations continue.
Nigeria has equally come under increased scrutiny by 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.
The Department of Homeland Security advised members of the public to visit its official website to view the complete list, photographs and available details of the affected individuals.