The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerian nationals identified for deportation as part of an expanded immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens with criminal convictions.
The announcement, published on the department’s official website, stated that the affected individuals are among those classified by U.S. authorities as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the DHS, the publication forms part of the administration’s ongoing effort to remove non-citizens convicted of serious crimes from the United States. While the identities and photographs of the affected Nigerians have been released, the agency did not disclose when each deportation would take place or specify the offences committed by the individuals.
DHS explains why the names were made public
In its statement, the department said the publication is intended to demonstrate the progress of its nationwide immigration enforcement operations.
It stated:
“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 hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Donald Trump’s promise by carrying out mass deportations, beginning with the worst criminal offenders.”
The list includes 124 Nigerians, among them 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, alongside more than 100 others.
Deportation campaign expands under Trump administration
The latest development comes as President Donald Trump continues to implement tougher immigration policies introduced after returning to the White House in January 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed several executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, directing federal agencies to strengthen border security and prioritise the arrest and removal of undocumented immigrants considered threats to public safety or national security.
The executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” instructed immigration authorities to accelerate deportations, particularly involving migrants with criminal records.
White House defends enforcement measures
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the administration’s immigration policy, maintaining that the government remains committed to enforcing U.S. immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes.
The Department of Homeland Security also said ICE officers have intensified enforcement operations nationwide in line with President Trump’s campaign pledge to carry out mass deportations.
Nigeria among countries facing tighter immigration scrutiny
Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny from Washington in recent months.
In June, the United States imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns relating to identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening procedures.
Although Latin American countries—including Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador—have recorded the highest number of deportations since the renewed crackdown began, U.S. authorities have increasingly expanded deportation operations to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Full list and photos of the 124 Nigerians
The DHS has published the complete names and photographs of all 124 Nigerians included in the deportation announcement.
See the full list, photographs and official details below.
