US Adds 18 Nigerians to Deportation List, Total Now Stands at 97
The United States has added 18 Nigerian nationals to its deportation list, bringing the total number of Nigerians facing removal from the country to 97, according to official sources.
The action follows a nationwide enforcement operation conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting immigrants convicted of serious crimes under what the agency describes as its “worst-of-the-worst” program.
Enforcement Operation
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the expanded list results from intensified efforts to identify and remove foreign nationals who have violated US immigration laws and committed criminal offenses on American soil.
Authorities stated that the alleged offenses among those added to the list include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft—crimes that have been the focus of recent enforcement actions targeting organised fraud schemes.
Deportations Imminent
Officials have indicated that deportations will be carried out immediately in accordance with US immigration laws, with those affected facing removal proceedings in the coming weeks.
The “worst-of-the-worst” program specifically targets non-citizens with criminal convictions, prioritising their apprehension and removal as part of broader immigration enforcement strategy.
Context
The development adds to ongoing discussions about US-Nigeria relations and immigration cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria has previously received deported nationals from the United States under existing bilateral arrangements governing the return of citizens.
The expanded list brings renewed attention to the prevalence of financial crimes among some diaspora members, though officials stress that the vast majority of Nigerians in the United States are law-abiding residents contributing positively to their communities.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the latest additions to the deportation list. Authorities on both sides are expected to coordinate on the logistics of the impending removals in the coming days.
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