DHS Moves to Deport 79 Nigerians as U.S. Intensifies Crackdown on ‘Worst of the Worst’ Criminal Immigrants
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians listed among what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens currently in the country, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s immigration enforcement drive under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to findings published on the DHS website and reviewed by Akahi News on Monday, the Nigerians were reportedly convicted of a range of serious offences, including fraud, drug trafficking, assault, manslaughter, robbery and other related crimes.
DHS Explains the Rationale Behind the Arrests
An accompanying statement from the department explained that the individuals were arrested as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown targeting criminal immigrants deemed to pose a threat to public safety.
“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,” the statement read.
It added: “Under Secretary Noem’s 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.”
Observers note that the language used by the department underscores the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, particularly against non-citizens with criminal convictions.
Nigerians Named on the Deportation List
Among those reportedly listed are 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 named include Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, and Joseph Ogbara.
Also on the list are Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, and Omotayo Akintoye.
Further names reportedly include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, and Henry Idiagbonya.
Others are 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, alongside Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, and Quazeem Adeyinka.
Fear and Quiet Returns Amid Intensified Enforcement
Akahi News gathered that the sweeping enforcement actions have sparked fear within immigrant communities across the United States. Reports suggest that some Nigerians have allegedly gone into hiding, while others are quietly returning to Nigeria amid the aggressive deportation drive led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The enforcement measures, which reportedly include house-to-house raids, have also triggered controversy and protests in several U.S. cities, particularly following high-profile encounters between federal immigration officers and local communities.
Broader Implications for Nigerians in the U.S.
Analysts believe the latest move signals a tougher phase of immigration policy enforcement that could have broader implications for Nigerians living in the United States, especially those with unresolved legal status. While the DHS has emphasised that the crackdown targets individuals with criminal convictions, critics argue that the rhetoric and scale of the operations risk deepening fear among law-abiding immigrants.
As the situation continues to unfold, Akahi News will monitor developments and provide updates on how the policy affects Nigerians both in the diaspora and at home.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
