The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded its deportation programme, adding 18 more Nigerians to a criminal removal list described as the agency’s “worst-of-the-worst” register. The update brings the total number of Nigerians now scheduled for deportation to 97, underscoring Washington’s intensified enforcement against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
According to updates published on the DHS website on Monday, the newly added individuals were linked to offences including wire fraud, mail fraud and identity theft. The agency said the additions are part of a nationwide crackdown led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targeting foreign nationals deemed to pose significant public safety risks.
In a statement accompanying the update, DHS said the arrests reflect a broader policy push under the current administration. The department noted that its officers are prioritising the removal of individuals with serious criminal records, describing the effort as the fulfilment of a campaign promise to begin deportations with those considered the most dangerous.
Several Nigerians were named in the latest update, joining others previously listed in the ongoing operation. DHS records indicate that most of the cases involve financial crimes, particularly fraud-related offences, which have been a key focus of recent enforcement actions.
The development highlights the Trump administration’s continued hardline approach to immigration, especially involving undocumented or criminal immigrants. Nigerians, alongside nationals of other countries, have been affected by the stepped-up enforcement as U.S. authorities intensify efforts to identify, detain and remove individuals convicted of serious crimes.
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