The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians marked for deportation over criminal convictions as part of a renewed immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump.
The list, published on the DHS website, forms part of the agency’s updated “Worst of the Worst” register, which identifies foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes and prioritised for removal from the United States.
While the identities of the affected Nigerians have been made public, American authorities did not disclose when the deportations would begin or provide details of the specific offences committed by each individual.
In a statement accompanying the publication, the DHS said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to remove criminal non-citizens from the country.
“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 hard-working 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 stated.
The list includes Nigerians such as 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 and several others.
The latest action is part of President Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement programme since returning to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, tightening border security and directing immigration authorities to speed up the arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants, especially those considered threats to public safety.
One of the executive orders, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed federal agencies to prioritise the removal of deportable migrants with criminal records.
The White House has repeatedly defended the policy, insisting the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants convicted of serious offences.
Official U.S. immigration data indicate that Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador have recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed enforcement campaign began.
The United States has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as immigration enforcement operations continue.
Nigeria has also faced tighter U.S. immigration measures in recent months. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens over concerns relating to identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
The DHS said the full list, including photographs of those affected, is available on its official website.
