Thousands of undocumented Nigerians in the United States are living in fear as President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up deportation efforts, with at least 3,690 Nigerians listed for removal.
A document from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) titled “Non-citizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship” reveals that 1,445,549 undocumented migrants face deportation, with Mexico (252,044) and El Salvador (203,822) topping the list.
The clampdown follows Trump’s January 20, 2025, inauguration and his immediate implementation of anti-illegal immigration policies. Already, 538 individuals have been deported since January 23, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared via her official X handle that the largest deportation operation in U.S. history is underway.
Nigerians Living in Fear
Many undocumented Nigerians in the U.S. have gone into hiding, avoiding work and public places to escape arrest by ICE agents. A Nigerian in Florida, speaking anonymously, described the situation:
“We have stopped going out—no work, no church. We are living in fear, but many still feel it’s better than returning to Nigeria, given the hardship and insecurity back home.”
Nigeria’s Government Responds
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 201 Nigerians are already in U.S. custody awaiting deportation. However, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa clarified that Washington DC has yet to formally communicate the date and time of their removal.
While Trump’s administration enforces a hardline stance, concerns grow over the fate of thousands of Nigerians caught in the wave of mass deportations.
