Trump targets 3,690 Nigerians in massive deportation push

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In a significant escalation of immigration enforcement, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified efforts to deport non-citizens, placing approximately 3,690 Nigerians at risk of removal.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enforce immigration laws strictly.

According to a document obtained by our correspondent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), as of November 24, 2024, 1,445,549 non-citizens were on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders.

The report, titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship,” lists Mexico and El Salvador as the top two countries, with 252,044 and 203,822 individuals, respectively, facing deportation. Nigeria ranks among the countries with significant numbers, with 3,690 individuals at risk.

This aggressive approach has led to a substantial increase in deportations. In fiscal year 2024, ICE deported approximately 271,000 immigrants to 192 countries, marking the highest number since 2012 and surpassing any year during Trump’s previous term.

The administration’s stringent policies have sparked legal challenges and international disputes. A coalition of Quaker groups filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the reversal of a policy barring immigration authorities from conducting raids in places of worship violates their First Amendment rights.

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Additionally, tensions arose with Colombia after it refused to accept U.S. deportation flights, leading to threats of tariffs and sanctions from the U.S. Following negotiations, Colombia agreed to accept the deportees, temporarily resolving the standoff.

Critics warn that these measures could have significant economic implications. Economists caution that mass deportations may lead to labor shortages in key industries such as agriculture and construction, potentially slowing economic growth and increasing inflation.

As the administration continues its crackdown, the fate of thousands of Nigerians and millions of other non-citizens remains uncertain, highlighting the complex challenges at the intersection of immigration policy, economic considerations, and human rights.