The United States government has named 18 more Nigerian nationals to a list of criminal immigrants it plans to deport. This action is part of a wider enforcement push by federal immigration officials.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the 18 individuals to its public list on Monday. This brings the total number of Nigerians on the so-called "worst of the worst" list to 97, according to the department's website. A statement on the DHS site said the arrests are part of a nationwide crackdown.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are carrying out the operation. The DHS said the work is being done under the leadership of Secretary Noem. The statement said the agency is fulfilling a promise by President Trump to begin mass deportations. The effort is starting with those deemed the most serious offenders.
The crimes linked to the 18 newly listed people often involve fraud. Updated records show wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft are among the most common offenses. The list of names was published on the official DHS website.
Among those named are Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, and Benjamin Ifebajo. Other names on the list include Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, and Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo. The full list contains 18 individuals.
This development points to the continued strict immigration policy of the current U.S. administration. The policy targets illegal immigrants and foreign nationals convicted of crimes. Several people from different countries, including Nigeria, have been affected by this enforcement drive.
The DHS website serves as a public record of these efforts. By highlighting these cases, the agency aims to show its focus on removing immigrants with criminal records. The ongoing operation signals a sustained priority for U.S. immigration authorities.