WASHINGTON — The United States Department of Homeland Security, DHS, has published an updated list of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation, describing them as part of its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
The list, released on Wednesday on the DHS website, included names and photographs of the individuals. US immigration authorities said the action is part of ongoing enforcement operations, but did not disclose a timeline for deportations or provide specific details about the offenses involved.
The announcement comes amid a broader push by the administration of US President Donald Trump to intensify immigration enforcement and accelerate the removal of non-citizens convicted of crimes.
In its statement, DHS said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, had arrested the individuals highlighted on the list.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement read.
“Under DHS 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 – including the illegal aliens you see here.”
DHS explained that those named were convicted of serious crimes, but declined to provide case-by-case details. The department also did not say when deportations would occure
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, and Oriyomi Aloba.
Others include Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, and Omotayo Akinto.
The list continues with 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, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba, and Akeem Adeleke.
Also named were 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.
DHS said the publication of names and photos was intended to show the scale of its enforcement actions.Trump administration’s immigration crackdown
The latest deportation list is part of sweeping immigration measures introduced after President Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to tighten border security and speed up removals. One order, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritize the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, especially those deemed threats to public safety and national security.
Defending the policy, DHS said it was delivering on a campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with individuals convicted of serious crimes. ICE has been directed to intensify operations nationwide targeting non-citizens with criminal records.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the crackdown, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions.
Official US immigration data shows that since the renewed crackdown began, the highest number of deportees have come from Guatemala, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. This reflects the administration’s continued focus on migration from Latin America.
However, the US has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Nigeria has faced increased scrutiny in recent months. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening.
The publication of the list has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the US and at home. Immigration lawyers note that being on a deportation list does not mean removal is immediate. Each case is subject to legal processes, appeals, and coordination with the Nigerian government for travel documents.
For Nigeria, the development adds pressure on consular services to verify identities and manage the return and reintegration of citizens. It also highlights ongoing challenges around migration, documentation, and the impact of criminal convictions on immigration status.
Analysts say the Trump administration’s approach signals a tougher stance that is likely to continue through 2026, with more countries expected to receive deportation notices as ICE expands operations.
DHS has not announced specific deportation dates for those on the Nigerian list. Typically, after such a publication, ICE works with foreign governments to obtain travel documents before removal can proceed.
The Nigerian Embassy in Washington and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja are expected to engage US authorities to get further details on the cases and ensure due process.for now, the 124 individuals named remain in immigration custody or under ICE supervision while their cases are processed.
The US government maintains that the goal is public safety. Critics argue that mass publication of names without offense details raises due process concerns. Supporters say it demonstrates transparency and accountability in enforcement.
As deportation operations continue, the list serves as a reminder of how immigration policy, criminal law, and international relations intersect — with real consequences for individuals, families, and bilateral ties between the US and Nigeria
