Around 3,690 Nigerians are among the individuals facing deportation from the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive campaign to curb illegal immigration.
A document from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday, reveals the details of those under ICE’s “non-detained docket” with final removal orders.
As of November 24, 2024, the report indicates that over 1.4 million non-citizens have been flagged for deportation across the United States. The document, titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship”, shows Mexico and El Salvador at the top of the list, with 252,044 and 203,822 deportees, respectively. Nigerians make up 3,690 of the total deportation figures.
Ramp-up in Deportation Efforts
ICE, tasked with protecting national security and combating illegal immigration, has significantly increased its deportation operations under Trump’s administration. The heightened deportation efforts come amid fears among Nigerians and other African nationals who are illegally residing in the U.S.
The mass deportation operations began last week, with hundreds of migrants detained and others forcibly removed via military aircraft as part of the broader initiative.
Trump’s Renewed Immigration Policies
On his inauguration day as the 47th President, Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration laws. These included the controversial move to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
Additionally, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, deployed more military troops, and intensified his rhetoric against “criminal aliens”, further driving the mass deportation agenda.Deportation Tensions with Colombia ResolvedTrump’s deportation plan met resistance from Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, who initially blocked US military aircraft carrying deportees to the country. In response, Trump threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, warning of a potential 50% increase in tariffs and additional financial and visa restrictions within a week.By Sunday night, the diplomatic standoff ended as Colombia agreed to accept deportation flights. Petro’s government confirmed that deportees would be received under “dignified conditions”. The White House acknowledged the resolution, noting that tariffs and sanctions would remain in reserve, contingent on Colombia’s compliance.
See the full deportation list below:
