US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation Over Criminal Convictions
The United States government has announced plans to deport 124 Nigerians as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. The list was published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which described those affected as part of its “worst of the worst” category of criminal offenders arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the DHS, the deportation effort is in line with President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement policies, which prioritize the removal of foreign nationals convicted of offences such as assault, fraud, drug-related crimes, robbery and other serious criminal acts. While the names and photographs of the 124 Nigerians have been made public, U.S. authorities have not announced when the deportations will begin or provided detailed information on the specific offences committed by each individual.
The latest announcement follows an earlier move in 2026 when dozens of Nigerians were similarly listed for deportation under the same enforcement initiative. U.S. officials say the campaign is aimed at removing convicted criminal offenders who are in the country illegally, stressing that public safety remains a key priority.
The development has sparked discussions in Nigeria, particularly over its potential impact on affected families and on diplomatic relations between both countries. Immigration experts note that deportation proceedings are governed by U.S. immigration laws and that individuals may, in some cases, pursue legal appeals depending on their immigration status and court rulings.
As of now, the Nigerian government has not issued a comprehensive official response regarding the newly released list. More details are expected as both governments continue diplomatic engagement on migration and consular matters.
