By The9jaTREND
The United States (US) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport no fewer than 79 Nigerians.
The DHS disclosed that the affected Nigerians were listed among what it described as the “worst-of-the-worst” criminal aliens arrested by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Their names and photographs have been published on the department’s official platforms.
Findings from the DHS website indicate that the Nigerians listed for deportation were convicted of offences ranging from fraud and drug trafflcking to assault, robbery and mansl@ughter, Punch reported.
An accompanying note on the list stated that the arrests were carried out as part of a broader effort to rid the United States of criminal immigrants.
“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the note read.
“Under Secretary Noem’s 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 published list includes Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe and Solomon Wilfred.
Others are Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba, Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi and Talatu Dada, alongside several more individuals.
The DHS said the publication of names and photographs was intended to promote transparency and demonstrate the scope of its enforcement actions.
The move forms part of President Trump ’s renewed push to tighten immigration controls, with a particular focus on undocumented migrants and those convicted of crimes.
In recent weeks, ICE operations have reportedly expanded to include large-scale enforcement raids, which have triggered fear and anxiety within immigrant communities across the United States.
Reports indicate that the intensified campaign has unsettled many Nigeria ns living in the US. Some are said to have gone into hiding, while others have reportedly begun returning to Nigeria quietly amid fears of arrest and deportation.
The sweeping enforcement actions have also sparked debate and protests in some cities, especially following reports of confrontations involving federal immigration officers.
Reacting to reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, Sani said attempts to evade authorities would only worsen the situation for undocumented migrants.
Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Eighth Senate, said via X, those choosing to leave the US on their own had correctly read the political climate and the determination of the current administration.