The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians listed on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
The disclosure was published on the department’s official website and forms part of renewed efforts by U.S. immigration authorities to prioritise the removal of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes.
What DHS Said
According to DHS, those listed are convicted foreign nationals arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and placed on a priority list for deportation.
The department said it is highlighting individuals it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders taken into custody by ICE, adding that under the leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, DHS and ICE are implementing President Trump’s directive by prioritising the removal of those with the most serious criminal records.
Some of the Nigerians named on the list and their respective convictions include:
- Chibuzo Nwaonu – Convicted of money laundering; arrested in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Oluchi Jennifer Chimdimma Chime – Convicted of theft of U.S. government property; arrested in Dallas, Texas.
- Abraham Ola Osoko – Convicted of a sex offense against a child; arrested in Conroe, Texas.
- Olumide Bankole Morakinyo – Convicted of money laundering; arrested in Fort Dix, New Jersey.
- Oluwaseun Kassim – Convicted of sex assault; arrested in Waukegan, Illinois.
- Ifeanyi Okoro – Convicted of sex assault, kidnapping, and robbery; arrested in Oakland, California.
- Quazeem Adeyinka – Convicted of wire fraud; arrested in Oakdale, Louisiana.
- Joshua Ineh – Convicted of a sex offense; arrested in Burnsville, Minnesota.
- Usman Momoh – Convicted of aggravated assault with a gun; arrested in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Oluwole Odunowo – Convicted of identity theft and mail fraud; arrested in Harlingen, Texas.
- Chibundu Anuebunwa – Convicted of wire fraud; arrested in Bronx, New York.
- Solomon Wilfred – Convicted of mail fraud; arrested in Oakdale, Louisiana.
- Aderemi Akefe – Convicted of cocaine smuggling, duty evasion, and driving under the influence; arrested in Detroit, Michigan.
However, the DHS has not provided a clear timeline for when the deportations will take place.
Backstory
After assuming office in January 2025, President Donald Trump pledged to prioritize the removal of violent offenders, gang members, and foreign nationals with serious criminal records from the United States.
In line with this agenda, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rolled out policies targeting undocumented migrants with criminal convictions, citing public safety and national security concerns.
DHS officials have consistently said enforcement efforts are focused on individuals described as “the worst of the worst.” The measures have been accompanied by tighter visa controls, including enhanced screening processes and closer monitoring of visa overstays.
What you should know
In 2025, the U.S. Department of State revoked more than 100,000 visas issued to foreign nationals—more than twice the figure recorded in 2024. The surge reflects intensified scrutiny of entry documents and stricter enforcement of immigration regulations.
- Starting January 21, 2026, the U.S. paused immigrant visa processing for applicants from about 75 countries, including Nigeria. The White House stated that this move aims to address concerns over public benefits use among migrants from the affected nations.
- Vibeslyfe reported that the U.S. has also tightened visa rules for Nigerians, introducing restrictive terms for most non-immigrant visas, including limiting many to single-entry and three-month validity. These changes are part of a broader security-focused review of how visas are used globally and how countries meet technical and security benchmarks.
- U.S. authorities have warned that the misuse of visas, including fraud, overstaying, or violating visa terms, could lead to visa revocation, deportation, or even permanent bans on future travel.