Six Nigerian nationals have been deported from the United States over various criminal offences as part of a broader immigration enforcement operation by American authorities.
The deportees arrived at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday morning aboard a Delta Airlines flight that landed just before 9 a.m. Officials from Nigerian security and immigration agencies received the deportees and are currently processing them for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to reports, this deportation is part of a larger plan by U.S. authorities to remove approximately 3,000 Nigerians allegedly involved in various criminal activities across the United States.
Trump's Renewed Immigration Crackdown
The deportations come amid a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy following former President Donald Trump's return to office earlier this year. Within his first 100 days, the Trump administration has revived aggressive enforcement measures targeting undocumented immigrants and those with criminal records.
Trump's border czar Tom Homan recently announced that workplace immigration arrests have already tripled and are expected to increase further under the administration's expanded enforcement directives. The administration has also authorized immigration arrests in previously protected locations such as schools and courthouses, while significantly increasing workplace raids.
On Monday, President Trump signed a new executive order directing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to publish a list of "sanctuary cities" by May 28. These jurisdictions are accused of obstructing federal deportation efforts. The order also mandates federal agencies to identify and potentially suspend funding to these jurisdictions.
Nigerian Authorities' Response
Nigerian officials are expected to conduct thorough background checks on the returnees to determine appropriate legal actions, if necessary. The nature of the criminal offences committed by the deportees has not been disclosed in detail.
As of the time of reporting, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has not issued an official statement regarding these deportations.
This development marks a significant escalation in the enforcement of immigration policies under the current U.S. administration, potentially affecting thousands of Nigerians residing in the United States.
