The United States government has published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians slated for deportation over criminal convictions as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump.
The list, released on Wednesday by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), identified the Nigerians among individuals it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Although the DHS released the identities and photographs of those affected, it did not disclose when the deportation process would begin.
In a statement published on its website, the department said the exercise forms part of its renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of 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 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, Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu, among others.
The DHS, however, did not provide details of the specific offences committed by each individual but said all those listed had been convicted of serious crimes.
The latest action is part of the immigration enforcement measures introduced following Trump’s return to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, directing federal agencies to tighten border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants.
One of the directives, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” ordered immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of migrants considered threats to public safety and national security.
The DHS said the administration was implementing Trump’s campaign pledge to carry out mass deportations, beginning with criminal offenders, while ICE officers had been directed to intensify nationwide operations against non-citizens convicted of serious offences.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the policy, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Official US immigration data show that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed enforcement began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. The US has also expanded deportation flights to several countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has faced increased immigration scrutiny under 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 DHS website also published photographs of the affected Nigerians alongside information on the offences for which they were convicted.
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