Immigration crackdown: US to deport 3,690 Nigerians

No fewer than 3,690 Nigerians face deportation from the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration.

According to a report by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the data, which breaks down deportations by nationality, reveals that 1,445,549 non-citizens have final removal orders as of November 24, 2024. Mexico and El Salvador top the list with the highest number of deportations, at 252,044 and 203,822 respectively.

ICE is responsible for safeguarding the U.S. from cross-border crimes and illegal immigration, both of which are considered national security threats.

Last Thursday, as Trump’s mass deportation operation began, hundreds of migrants were arrested and many others were deported via military aircraft. Reports indicate that Nigerian and other African immigrants may be among the next groups targeted for deportation.

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This action follows Trump’s executive orders aimed at tightening immigration policies, which include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Additionally, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and authorized the deployment of additional troops to address illegal immigration, warning that “criminal aliens” would face deportation.

Amidst these efforts, tensions have arisen with Colombia, as President Gustavo Petro initially blocked U.S. military planes carrying deported immigrants, citing concerns over inhumane treatment. However, after negotiations, the U.S. announced that Colombia would accept deportation flights, in exchange for halting additional sanctions, though visa restrictions will remain in place until the first deportation flight arrives.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE