Findings published on the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday indicate that a number of Nigerians are among foreign nationals recently arrested and convicted for a range of serious offences across the United States.
According to the DHS, those affected were convicted of crimes including fraud, drug trafficking, assault, manslaughter, robbery and other related offences. The arrests were carried out as part of what the department described as an intensified nationwide operation targeting criminal immigrants.
In an accompanying statement, the DHS said the operation was being implemented by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with a focus on individuals it described as “the worst of the worst criminal aliens.”
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE,” the statement said.
“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst of the worst.”
The list published by DHS includes dozens of Nigerians identified by name as part of the enforcement action. Officials did not immediately disclose the total number of Nigerians involved or the locations of their arrests, but confirmed that those listed had either been convicted or were facing removal following criminal proceedings.
The development comes amid an aggressive immigration enforcement posture under the administration of Donald Trump, which has prioritised the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Reports indicate that the renewed enforcement drive has had a significant impact on immigrant communities, including Nigerians, with some said to have gone into hiding while others are reportedly returning home quietly in response to the crackdown.
The sweeping operations, which include house-to-house raids in some areas, have generated fear and controversy, as well as protests in parts of the United States, particularly following a number of high-profile encounters involving federal immigration officers.
