In recent months, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up efforts to detain and deport non-citizens with criminal convictions, including a growing number of Nigerian nationals. Under President Donald Trump’s second term, which began in January 2025, immigration enforcement has targeted individuals deemed threats to public safety, reflecting broader policies aimed at removing the so-called “worst of the worst” from American communities. As of early 2026, multiple convicted Nigerians remain in ICE custody, navigating a backlog of cases amid heightened scrutiny on illegal immigration.
The United States has a long history of deporting non-citizens convicted of crimes, but African deportations, particularly Nigerians, have surged under Trump’s current administration compared to the Biden era. ICE data shows that while many deported African migrants have no criminal records, the agency prioritizes individuals convicted of fraud, assault, drug-related offenses, and other felonies. Between fiscal years 2019 and 2024, Nigeria ranked among the top African countries for deportations, with 902 removals, peaking at 286 in 2019 and dropping to 138 in 2024 before the recent uptick. As of November 2024, approximately 3,690 Nigerians were on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders, placing Nigeria second only to Somalia in Africa. Many arrests occur in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.
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ICE’s “Worst of the Worst” initiative, highlighted in July 2025, focuses on criminal aliens with serious histories, including gang affiliations and violent offenses. In Nigeria’s case, many deportations involve fraud and financial crimes linked to international money laundering networks, often referred to as “Yahoo Boys.” Deportations spiked during Trump’s first two years in office and are expected to rise again in 2026, with Nigeria accounting for the largest share of African removals. Between 2020 and 2025, Nigeria ranked third among African nations for deportations, following Senegal and Mauritania.
Several high-profile Nigerian nationals are currently in ICE custody;
Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, a former Bloods gang member, was convicted of armed robbery, aggravated assault on a police officer, and illicit drug trade, and now awaits deportation after entering the U.S. illegally.
Oluwadamilola Ogooluwa Bamigboye was arrested by the FBI for evading capture and abducting an immigration officer.
Ijeoma Mbonu Chanthavong, convicted in 2022 for international money laundering, was re-arrested by ICE in December 2025 and denied bail in January 2026, with a final removal order issued.
Abdul Waris Akinsanya, apprehended in Houston for overstaying his visa and suspected marriage fraud, faces multiple criminal convictions, including forgery and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Rotimi Oladimeji, previously convicted of mail and wire fraud with over $1.1 million in restitution.
Adetunji Frederick Olofinlade, detained after a DUI conviction, also awaits deportation. Other cases include:
Emmanuel Nwankwo, convicted in 2013 for resisting ICE officers, and Hussien Noor Hussien, arrested in January 2026 at a Vermont airport for using false identities.
Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), have amplified these arrests, sparking debates over immigration, crime, and due process. Critics have raised concerns about family separations and the treatment of minors, citing a January 2026 Minnesota case in which a five-year-old was allegedly used to detain his father. Advocacy groups argue that not all detainees face violent convictions and that many are contesting their cases in immigration court.
The broader Nigerian diaspora in the U.S., one of the largest African communities abroad, faces reputational and economic pressures. Remittances from Nigerians in America exceed $20 billion annually, and mass deportations could impact Nigeria’s economy. Third-country deportations, where individuals are sent to countries other than their origin, have further complicated matters, with at least 42 individuals, including Nigerians, deported through such routes since September 2025.
Looking ahead, ICE operations are expected to continue throughout 2026, potentially affecting thousands more Nigerians. While the agency emphasizes public safety, critics call for reforms to address humanitarian concerns, reduce case backlogs, and ensure fair treatment. These deportations underscore the delicate balance between national security, immigration enforcement, and international relations, highlighting the complex realities facing Nigerian nationals in the U.S.
