February 24, (THEWILL) — The United States government has intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, adding 19 Nigerians to a growing list of foreign nationals awaiting deportation as authorities expand a nationwide crackdown targeting individuals with criminal convictions and final removal orders.
U.S. authorities said the individuals had been arrested by ICE officials and would be deported upon completion of immigration procedures in accordance with existing immigration laws and removal orders.
The latest action brings the total number of Nigerian nationals processed for removal to 113 within the last 21 days, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed.
The newly listed Nigerians include Adeolu Solabu, Oladayo Agboola, Chinonso Ochie, Oluchi Chime, Samuel Omorodion, Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Kehinde James, Blessing Uchanma, Victor Adebisi, Richard Ugbah, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Oluwamuyiwa Olawoye, Okechukwu Amadi, Femi Jolayemi, Anthony Asanya, Izuchukwu Okoye and Ebele Agbasiele.
According to U.S. officials, the move forms part of a sweeping “worst-of-the-worst” enforcement campaign led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aimed at non-citizens convicted of serious crimes and already subject to final deportation orders.
In a statement accompanying the updated list, DHS said the affected Nigerians were convicted of offences including sexual assault of a minor, fraud, assault, drug trafficking and money laundering.
“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the agency stated.
The department added that, under the leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, enforcement agencies were implementing what it described as President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, beginning with individuals considered to pose the highest public safety risks.
“Under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling Donald Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations starting with the worst of the worst”, the statement added.
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