The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians it says are facing deportation following criminal convictions in the country.
The agency disclosed the development on Wednesday, stating that those named were included in its updated list of what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders currently in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the DHS, the affected individuals were arrested by ICE and convicted of serious criminal offences. However, the department did not specify the exact crimes committed by each individual or provide a timeline for when the deportations would begin.
The complete announcement is available on the official US Department of Homeland Security website: https://www.dhs.gov
DHS Explains Deportation List
In a statement accompanying the publication, the department said the initiative forms part of ongoing immigration enforcement measures under the administration of President Donald Trump.
According to DHS:
“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.”
The agency maintained that the operation focuses primarily on non-citizens who have been convicted of serious criminal offences and are considered threats to public safety.
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Nigerians Included on the List
Among the Nigerians named by the department are:
- 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
The department indicated that additional individuals also appear on the published register.
Immigration Crackdown Under Trump
The deportation exercise is part of the broader immigration enforcement strategy introduced after President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed several executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to strengthen border security.
One of the executive orders, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritize the arrest and removal of undocumented migrants considered threats to national security and public safety.
The administration has repeatedly stated that its enforcement efforts would begin with individuals convicted of serious crimes before expanding to other categories of undocumented immigrants.
ICE Expands Enforcement Operations
The DHS also confirmed that ICE officers have been directed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide.
According to the agency, immigration officers have been instructed to identify, arrest, and process for removal non-citizens with criminal records as part of the government’s broader deportation strategy.
Officials say the initiative is designed to improve public safety while enforcing existing immigration laws.
White House Defends Policy
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, insisting that enforcing immigration laws remains one of President Trump’s highest priorities.
She said the government remains committed to removing undocumented immigrants who have criminal convictions while strengthening national security.
The administration has consistently argued that the policy targets individuals who pose significant risks to communities across the United States.
Deportation Flights Expanded
The United States has also expanded deportation flights to several countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as part of the ongoing enforcement campaign.
The latest development comes only weeks after Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns relating to identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening procedures.
The DHS has not yet announced when the listed Nigerians will be returned to Nigeria, but the publication signals that immigration authorities are moving ahead with one of the largest deportation drives in recent years.
