Trump Administration Lists 124 Nigerians For Deportation In Expanded U.S. Immigration Operation

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has placed 124 Nigerians on a deportation list as part of its intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting undocumented migrants across the country.

The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which said the Nigerians were included in what it described as its "worst of the worst" register of foreign nationals arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to the department, the individuals are among non-citizens facing removal from the United States under the administration's expanded deportation policy.

In a statement, DHS said its immigration enforcement agencies were carrying out President Trump's directive to prioritise the deportation of undocumented migrants considered a threat to public safety.

"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)," the department said.

It added:

"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 department released the names and photographs of the 124 Nigerians but did not provide details of the specific criminal offences allegedly committed by each individual or indicate when their deportations would take place.

The latest action forms part of the Trump administration's broader immigration crackdown following the President's return to office on January 20, 2025.

On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, directing federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants, particularly those considered risks to public safety and national security.

Nigeria has also come under increased immigration scrutiny in recent months.

In June, the United States announced partial visa restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening procedures.

The latest deportation list marks another development in the administration's ongoing efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and expand removals of undocumented foreign nationals across the United States.