The United States Department of Homeland Security has released the photographs and names of 124 Nigerian nationals currently slated for deportation due to prior criminal convictions. This information was posted to the agency’s official website on Wednesday, categorized under their updated list of high-priority criminal offenders.
While the identities were disclosed, federal authorities have not provided a specific timeline for when these removals will occur. The department described this effort as part of a broad enforcement strategy targeting individuals with serious criminal records. Although these individuals were identified as high-risk, specific details regarding their individual crimes were not made public at this time.
This initiative aligns with the policy agenda of President Donald Trump, who assumed office on January 20, 2025. Upon his return, the president issued executive orders designating illegal immigration as a national emergency, tasking agencies with prioritizing the removal of migrants deemed threats to public security. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are currently intensifying operations nationwide to execute these mass deportation plans.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that the administration remains focused on enforcing existing immigration statutes and removing individuals with criminal backgrounds. Data indicates that while countries like Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador have faced the highest number of deportations under this directive, the U.S. is also widening its operations to include more nations across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. This follows earlier diplomatic pressure, including visa restrictions placed on Nigeria by Washington last June regarding security and identity verification concerns.
