US Adds 18 Nigerians to Deportation List, Total Now 97 — DHS Confirms

United States Expands Deportation List, Adds 18 Nigerians Over Criminal Convictions

The United States government has added 18 more Nigerian nationals to its deportation list, increasing the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97.

The development was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and follows a nationwide enforcement operation carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The operation targets non-citizens convicted of serious crimes under what authorities describe as a high-priority enforcement programme.

According to U.S. officials, those listed are individuals who have been found guilty of offences considered severe under American law. The alleged crimes linked to the affected Nigerians include wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and other related financial offences.

DHS explained that the enforcement drive focuses on immigrants with final removal orders or completed criminal sentences, making them eligible for immediate deportation in line with U.S. immigration regulations. The process, officials say, is guided strictly by existing legal frameworks and court decisions.

The addition of the 18 Nigerians follows an earlier update that placed 79 Nigerian nationals on the deportation register. Authorities noted that the increase reflects ongoing reviews of criminal and immigration records, rather than a single mass operation.

ICE has continued to prioritise individuals convicted of crimes it considers a threat to public safety, with deportations carried out once all legal requirements are met.

The latest development has drawn attention to the growing number of Nigerians affected by U.S. immigration enforcement actions. While the majority of Nigerians living in the United States are law-abiding residents, officials stress that criminal convictions can significantly affect immigration status, regardless of length of stay. 

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Experts advise immigrants to remain informed about U.S. immigration laws and to seek legal counsel when facing criminal or immigration proceedings.

U.S. authorities say deportations will continue as cases are finalised, adding that individuals listed will be returned to their home country once travel and documentation arrangements are completed.

As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian government officials had not issued a formal response to the latest update.