3,690 Nigerians Among Nearly Two Million Immigrants Set for U.S. Deportation

In a major crackdown on illegal immigrants, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified nearly two million individuals for deportation, including 3,690 Nigerians. This revelation comes as part of President Donald Trump's renewed enforcement measures against undocumented immigrants.

According to a document obtained by Fox News from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), as of November 24, 2024, 1,445,549 non-citizens with final orders of removal were on ICE's non-detained docket. Among them, Nigeria ranks second in Africa, trailing Somalia, which recorded 4,090 immigrants. Ghana occupies the third spot with 3,228 undocumented individuals.

Globally, Mexico tops the list with 252,044 persons marked for deportation. The U.S. government has called on foreign nations to cooperate in facilitating the return of their nationals.

The ICE document emphasized the need for countries to confirm the citizenship of individuals marked for deportation, issue travel documents promptly, and accept their nationals via scheduled commercial or charter flights.

"Lack of cooperation from foreign governments delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,ÔÇØ the document stated. Non-compliant countries risk being labeled as "uncooperativeÔÇØ by ICE, which could lead to further diplomatic consequences.

President Donald Trump, who recently began his second term, has made immigration reform a cornerstone of his administration. On his first day in office, he signed multiple executive orders, including declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and deploying troops to enhance border security.

Trump has often linked illegal immigration to rising crime rates in the United States, describing undocumented immigrants as "aliens." During his campaign, he promised to intensify measures against illegal immigration, a stance that has drawn both praise and criticism.

The announcement has reignited discussions about immigration policies and their impact on affected individuals and nations. Hours after Trump's inauguration, claims that over three million Nigerians would be deported went viral on social media, although the ICE document specifies a much smaller number.

The African continent features prominently on the list of nations with high deportation figures. Following Nigeria, Somalia, and Ghana, other countries with significant representation include Sudan and Ethiopia. The situation raises questions about Africa's capacity to reintegrate deported individuals and the broader implications for bilateral relations with the U.S.

Nigeria's inclusion as the African country with the second-highest deportation figures has sparked reactions from stakeholders. Immigration experts have urged the Nigerian government to engage in diplomatic dialogue with the U.S. to address the situation and safeguard the interests of its citizens abroad.

As deportation efforts intensify, affected individuals face an uncertain future, with many questioning the fairness of the process and the potential impact on their lives.