About 3,690 Nigerians are among the 1.4 million people facing deportation from the United States as President Donald Trump intensifies his crackdown on illegal immigration. This is part of a broader operation targeting undocumented immigrants, which has sparked fear among affected communities.
A report by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), obtained on Tuesday, detailed that as of November 24, 2024, over 1.4 million non-citizens with final removal orders are on ICE’s non-detained docket. The report ranks Mexico and Nicaragua at the top of the deportation list, with 252,044 and 45,955 individuals, respectively, while Nigeria is among the countries significantly affected.
Last week, hundreds of migrants were arrested, and deportation flights began as the Trump administration executed its mass deportation plan. Nigerians residing in the U.S. illegally now face heightened fears, with many expressing concern about the potential consequences for their families and livelihoods.
Trump, during his second inauguration as the 47th U.S. President, signed executive orders aimed at toughening immigration laws. Key policies include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and deploying more troops to secure the Mexico-U.S. southern border.
The administration has also begun using military aircraft to expedite deportations, a move that recently caused diplomatic tensions with Colombia. President Gustavo Petro of Colombia initially blocked U.S. planes carrying deportees but later reversed his stance after negotiations. Trump had threatened Colombia with severe economic sanctions, including tariffs of up to 50% on Colombian imports and visa bans on officials.
The White House declared the resolution a victory, stating, “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again.” Meanwhile, Colombia’s government confirmed it would now accept deportation flights and ensure humane conditions for returnees.
For Nigerians facing deportation, the situation is dire. Many fear leaving behind jobs, homes, and communities they have built over the years. The Nigerian government has yet to release an official response, but advocacy groups have called for immediate support for returnees to ensure their reintegration into society.
As deportations escalate, the global implications of Trump’s immigration policies remain a subject of intense debate, with human rights organizations calling for more humane approaches to managing immigration challenges.
