By Deborah Nnamdi
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an updated deportation list containing the names of 124 Nigerians, describing them as part of its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal offenders targeted for removal from the country.
The list was published on the department’s official website on Wednesday as part of the US government’s ongoing immigration enforcement campaign.
According to the DHS, the affected individuals were arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and have been placed on what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
Although the department published the names and photographs of those listed, it did not disclose the specific offences for which they were convicted or the timeline for their deportation.
In a statement, the department said, “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 Donald Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations—starting with the worst of the worst.”
The deportation list includes dozens of Nigerians, among them 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, and several others.
The latest action forms part of the sweeping immigration enforcement measures introduced by President Donald Trump following his 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, strengthening border security, and directing federal agencies to accelerate the arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security.
One of the executive orders, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the removal of migrants eligible for deportation.
Defending the policy, the DHS said the administration was fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to intensify mass deportations, beginning with individuals convicted of serious crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the crackdown, stating that 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, highlighting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America.
The US has also expanded deportation flights to several countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as immigration enforcement operations continue.
Nigeria has also faced increased immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration. In June, the United States imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening.
The DHS has yet to announce when the deportation of the 124 Nigerians will commence.
