The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified among foreign nationals facing deportation over criminal convictions.
The information was published on the department’s official website on Wednesday as part of an updated register highlighting individuals described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders.
While the names and photographs have been made public, US authorities did not specify when the affected Nigerians would be deported.
According to the DHS, the individuals listed were convicted of serious criminal offences and are among those being targeted under ongoing immigration enforcement operations. However, the agency did not disclose the specific offences committed by each person.
The department stated that the exercise is part of efforts by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prioritise the arrest and removal of non-citizens with criminal records.
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, Oriyomi Aloba, and several others.
The latest action forms part of the immigration enforcement measures introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump following his return to office on January 20, 2025.
Upon assuming office, President Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to strengthen border security while accelerating the deportation of undocumented migrants.
One of the directives instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and removal of deportable migrants, particularly individuals considered threats to public safety and national security.
US officials have maintained that the policy is aimed at enforcing immigration laws by removing non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. Immigration authorities have also intensified enforcement operations across the country as part of the administration’s broader immigration agenda.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has reiterated the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, stating that the government remains focused on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed enforcement campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. The United States has also expanded deportation flights to several countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has also faced increased immigration scrutiny in recent months. In June, the US government imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns related to identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
