The United States government has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerian nationals following their conviction for various criminal offences in the country.
The decision was disclosed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which released a criminal list containing the names of the affected individuals. According to checks on the agency’s official website on Monday, the Nigerians were found guilty of offences ranging from fraud, drug-related crimes, assault, manslaughter, to robbery.
DHS explained that the arrests and impending deportations are part of a nationwide immigration enforcement operation targeting immigrants involved in criminal activities across the United States. The exercise is being jointly carried out by DHS officers and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Among those listed for deportation are Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba, Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, among others.
Further names on the list include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.
Others listed include Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
The deportation move is part of ongoing immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, which prioritise the removal of undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes.
The renewed enforcement actions have reportedly triggered fear among some Nigerians living in the United States, with several avoiding public places, while others are said to be returning to Nigeria quietly. The enforcement drive has also sparked protests and public debate in some areas, following encounters between immigration officers and local residents.
){kind=link}