The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of its intensified immigration enforcement programme.
According to a statement published on the DHS website and reported by Punch Newspapers, the individuals have been placed on what the department described as its “worst of the worst” criminal register. US authorities said those listed had been convicted of serious crimes but did not disclose the specific offences committed or provide a timeline for their deportation.
The DHS said the operation forms part of the immigration crackdown being implemented under President Donald Trump, with enforcement efforts led by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement said.
It added that DHS and ICE personnel were carrying out President Trump’s directive to begin mass deportations with individuals considered the highest priority for removal.
The published list includes 124 Nigerian nationals whose names and photographs have been made public by US authorities.
The latest action follows a series of executive orders signed by President Trump after returning to office on January 20, 2025. The orders declared illegal immigration a national emergency, strengthened border security measures and directed immigration agencies to prioritise the arrest and deportation of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the policy, saying the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
The deportation campaign has primarily affected migrants from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, but the US has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny from Washington. In June, the US imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
The DHS has not announced when the deportations of the listed Nigerians will begin or provided further details on individual cases.
