Trump’s Deportation Crackdown: 3,690 Nigerians at Risk in U.S.

Thousands of undocumented Nigerians in the United States are living in fear as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies deportation efforts, with 3,690 Nigerians facing removal orders.

According to a document from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), these individuals are among over 1.4 million non-citizens listed on the agency’s non-detained docket for deportation as of November 24, 2024. The list shows Mexico (252,044) and El Salvador (203,822) as the top countries with the highest deportation cases.

Following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, his administration swiftly enforced stricter immigration policies, leading to the deportation of 538 undocumented immigrants on January 23. Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed via X that the administration is conducting the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

Speaking anonymously, a Nigerian in Florida revealed that many undocumented Africans, especially Nigerians, have gone into hiding. “We have stopped going out, no more work or church. The situation is terrible, but we still believe it is better than the hardship and insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. custody awaiting deportation. However, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that the U.S. has not yet communicated the official deportation schedule to the Nigerian government.

The crackdown has sparked concerns among immigrant communities and raised questions about U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic engagements on migration policies.