US Plans Deportation of Dozens of Nigerians in Renewed Crackdown on Foreign Criminals
The United States plans to deport at least 79 Nigerian nationals convicted of crimes as part of a renewed enforcement drive targeting non-citizens with criminal records, according to US officials and local media reports.
The individuals have been placed on the Department of Homeland Security’s “worst of the worst” list, which identifies foreign nationals convicted of serious offences and prioritises them for removal, the reports said.
The planned deportations form part of a broader effort by US authorities to accelerate removals of non-citizens deemed to pose public safety risks, as Washington steps up immigration enforcement amid political pressure to curb illegal migration.
DHS data and media reports indicate that nationals from several other African countries — including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Cameroon and Tanzania — have also been placed on similar priority lists and are facing deportation under the same programme.
For some of the affected countries, the planned removals mark a second round of deportations following earlier operations carried out over the past year, as US authorities expand cooperation with foreign governments to speed up the return of convicted offenders.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long been among the countries with large diasporas in the United States, with many migrants working in healthcare, education and technology.
While most live legally in the country, US officials say a small number have been convicted of crimes ranging from fraud and identity theft to violent offences.
Immigration and customs enforcement agencies have in recent months increased chartered deportation flights to Africa and other regions, seeking to clear backlogs in removal cases that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic and years of legal delays.
The renewed crackdown reflects the legacy of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, which prioritised the rapid removal of undocumented migrants and non-citizens with criminal records.
During his 2017–2021 presidency, Trump expanded the powers of immigration officers, restricted asylum access and pushed for tougher vetting of migrants from several countries, including in Africa.
His administration also sought to pressure foreign governments to accept deportees by threatening visa restrictions.
Although the Biden administration initially rolled back some of Trump’s measures, rising border crossings and political pressure from Republicans have led to a tougher stance in recent years, with greater emphasis on public safety and enforcement.
US officials say the current deportation drive focuses on individuals who have exhausted their legal appeals and received final removal orders.
Governments of several affected African countries have previously expressed concern about the scale and pace of deportations, citing challenges in verifying identities and reintegrating returnees.
Diplomats and migration experts say continued cooperation between Washington and African governments will be critical as deportations increase, particularly for countries facing economic pressures and high unemployment.
The latest planned removals are expected to be carried out in phases over the coming months, using chartered and commercial flights, according to media reports.
ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org