The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photos of 124 Nigerians it says are among foreign nationals facing deportation after criminal convictions.
The names and photos were published on the DHS website on Wednesday as part of what the agency called its updated “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
While the list has been made public, US authorities did not say when the Nigerians would be deported.
US immigration officials said the action is part of ongoing enforcement efforts, adding that everyone on the list had been convicted of serious crimes. However, the agency did not reveal the offence linked to each person or when they would be removed.
The statement read, “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 – including the illegal aliens you see here.”
Those listed include 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, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba and many others, including Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, Omotayo Akinto, Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Olayinka A. Jones, Aishatu Umaru, Chibuzo Nwaonu, Elizabeth Miller and Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola.
The move is part of immigration measures introduced after President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency. He also ordered stronger border security and faster deportation of undocumented migrants.
One order, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, told immigration authorities to focus on arresting and removing deportable migrants seen as threats to public safety and national security.
DHS said the administration was carrying out Trump’s campaign promise of mass deportations, starting with what it described as the “worst of the worst” offenders. It added that ICE officers had been directed to step up operations across the country against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the crackdown, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing US immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Official US immigration data show Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerians, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
