Nigerians and other African undocumented immigrants in the United States are increasingly worried about possible deportation following the American government’s renewed crackdown on illegal immigration, Sunday PUNCH has learned.
The tension stems from former President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance against illegal immigration. On his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at toughening immigration policies. Among these measures was the proposal to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
As part of his directives, Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, announcing plans to deploy additional troops to the area and vowing to remove “criminal aliens” from the country. The US Department of Justice also threatened legal action against state and local authorities that fail to enforce the administration’s immigration policies, which include deporting millions of undocumented immigrants.
On Thursday, 538 undocumented immigrants were deported, adding to fears within immigrant communities. Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed via her official X (formerly Twitter) account that “the largest deportation operation in history is well underway.”
This announcement has caused unease among Nigerian communities in the US, with many fearing they could be targeted next. Some Nigerians living in the country have expressed concerns that after Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians, Africans could become the focus of immigration enforcement.
Jacob Adegoke, a Nigerian-American and Trump supporter, noted that while Mexicans and Haitians were currently the priority, “Africans will likely be next.” Media entrepreneur Obi-West Utchaychukwu added that while no Nigerians had been arrested yet, the community is closely monitoring developments.
In New York, a Nigerian named Adebayo, who requested anonymity, described the prevailing anxiety: “Many undocumented Nigerians are worried about the new policies. Even those with valid papers are cautious due to reports of indiscriminate arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”
ICE agents have been conducting raids in various locations, targeting businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers. In Newark, for example, immigration officials recently detained an American military veteran along with several undocumented residents. The incident has further heightened fears among immigrant communities.
A Nigerian immigration lawyer based in Maryland told Sunday PUNCH that similar raids had taken place in Newark, where a frozen food store was searched for undocumented immigrants. The lawyer explained that Nigerians on student visas and other temporary permits are particularly concerned about the possibility of deportation, especially those who are in the process of transitioning to permanent residency.
While undocumented immigrants with criminal records are the primary targets, many others fear being swept up in ICE operations. “The situation is tense,” the lawyer said. “Even people on legitimate visas are exercising extreme caution.”
Despite the widespread concern, some relief comes from states opposing Trump’s executive orders. Several state governments have challenged the legality of these measures, offering a glimmer of hope to immigrant communities.
