Trump's Immigration Crackdown: Uncertainty Looms As 3,690 US-Based Nigerians Face Deportation

Thousands of Nigerians in the US face deportation under Trump’s immigration policy. Fear grips illegal immigrants as ICE intensifies operations.

Mass Deportation Threat: 3,690 Nigerians at Risk

A wave of uncertainty has gripped Nigerian immigrants in the United States as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal migration. Many undocumented Nigerians have resorted to hiding and limiting their movements to avoid arrest and deportation by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A recently released document from ICE’s Non-Detained Docket revealed that 3,690 Nigerians are among those facing imminent deportation. The report, titled “Non-Citizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship,” further disclosed that Mexico and El Salvador top the list, with 252,044 and 203,822 individuals, respectively, awaiting deportation.

As of November 24, 2024, ICE confirmed that 1,445,549 non-citizens were on the deportation list under final removal orders.

Trump’s Strict Immigration Policy Takes Effect

Since his January 20, 2025, inauguration, former President Donald Trump has wasted no time in implementing his hardline stance against illegal immigration. His administration has ramped up deportation efforts, vowing to remove undocumented migrants at an unprecedented scale.

The US Department of Justice has also issued warnings to local and state authorities, threatening legal action against those who refuse to comply with federal immigration policies.

Just days after assuming office, the Trump administration oversaw the deportation of 538 illegal immigrants on January 23, 2025. In a statement on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the largest deportation operation in US history is currently underway.

Fear Among Nigerians in the US

As the crackdown intensifies, Nigerians living illegally in the US are becoming increasingly fearful. A Nigerian resident in Florida, who chose to remain anonymous, described the dire situation:

“We have stopped going out—no more work, no church. The situation is terrible as we live in constant fear. But despite this, many still prefer this hardship to the insecurity and economic struggles back home in Nigeria.”

Concerns are also rising that African immigrants may soon face even stricter enforcement measures. Many Nigerians have reportedly stopped working to minimize their exposure to ICE agents.

Nigerian Government Responds

In response to the growing crisis, Nigeria’s Federal Government confirmed that 201 Nigerians are currently in US custody, awaiting deportation. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the official date and time of their repatriation have not yet been communicated by US authorities.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the ministry, assured that diplomatic channels remain open, stating:

“The total number of 201 Nigerians is currently in their custody for deportation, but the date and time have not been communicated. There is no way they will be deported to Nigeria without communication with the embassy in Washington, DC.”

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?

As Trump’s immigration policies take full effect, thousands of Nigerians in the US face an uncertain future. The fear of deportation has forced many into hiding, disrupting their daily lives. Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions between the US and Nigerian governments continue, as authorities work to determine the fate of those set for deportation.

This remains a developing story, and Nigerians abroad are advised to stay informed and seek legal counsel where necessary.

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