Nigerians and other African illegal immigrants in the United States may soon face deportation as fears grow over President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.
The anxiety among Nigerians in the US has heightened following Trump’s executive orders targeting illegal immigration, including ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. On his inauguration day as the 47th US President, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, deployed more troops, and vowed to deport “criminal aliens.”
The US Justice Department has also warned local and state authorities against defying federal immigration directives, with a commitment to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. As part of this directive, 538 illegal immigrants were deported on Thursday alone.
Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated on her official X handle that “the largest mass deportation operation in history is well underway.” This announcement has left many Nigerians in the US deeply worried about their future.
Some US-based Nigerians believe their community could soon be targeted after Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians. Nigerian-American Trump supporter Jacob Adegoke predicted that “Africans will be next,” a sentiment echoed by media entrepreneur Obi-West Utchaychukwu, who noted that Nigerians are closely monitoring the situation.
Adebayo, a source in New York, expressed the growing fear within the Nigerian community, stating, “Many undocumented Nigerians are deeply worried. Even those with valid papers are being cautious due to reports of indiscriminate targeting by ICE.”
In Newark, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents recently raided a business, detaining multiple undocumented immigrants, including an American military veteran. This incident has further alarmed immigrant communities. A source in New Jersey highlighted the case, saying it has intensified panic despite some states challenging Trump’s executive orders.
A Nigerian immigration lawyer in Maryland revealed that Nigerians on student visas or other temporary permits are also feeling the pressure. The lawyer noted that ICE has increased inspections in establishments like stores and warned that individuals with criminal records or uncertain visa statuses could face deportation.
The crackdown has left many Nigerians in the US fearful and uncertain about their future, with even routine movements now being undertaken cautiously.
