US announces deportation of 130 convicted Nigerians under Trump directive
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Friday that 130 Nigerian nationals convicted of crimes including advance fee fraud, weapons possession, drug offences, and assault will be deported. The list, published on DHS's official website under the document title "Worst of the Worst," is part of President Donald Trump's directive to intensify removal of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
These deportations target individuals deemed high-priority by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the full list names specific individuals, the overarching policy signals a significant ramp-up in enforcement actions affecting Nigerians abroad, particularly those with any criminal conviction history, however minor.
For Nigerians considering or currently residing in the U.S. without full legal status, this underscores an urgent need to understand current immigration priorities. Even past convictions for financial crimes (often associated with "419" schemes), drug possession, or assault now carry heightened deportation risk under this administration's stated policy.
If you or someone you know is in the U.S. without permanent resident status, consult an immigration attorney immediately to review your specific case and understand how " aggravated felony" or "crimes involving moral turpitude" definitions might apply. This policy also reinforces that "Japa" pathways through any means carry severe long-term legal consequences that can lead to removal and future entry bans.