Around 3,690 Nigerians in the United States face deportation as part of a larger crackdown on illegal immigrants by the Trump administration. According to a report by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), many people from various countries, including Nigeria, are caught up in the ongoing US mass deportation efforts.
A document compiled by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, which was shared with our correspondent on Tuesday, provided a detailed breakdown of individuals facing removal. This document, titled “Noncitizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship,” highlights that as of November 24, 2024, there were 1,445,549 non-citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders for removal.
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The US Mass Deportation Strategy: Countries Most Affected
The document revealed that Mexico and El Salvador are the two countries with the highest number of individuals at risk of deportation, with 252,044 and 203,822 people, respectively. However, Nigeria is also significantly impacted, with 3,690 individuals facing deportation. These numbers highlight the wide-ranging impact of the US mass deportation strategy on people from various nations.
ICE plays a crucial role in safeguarding the United States from illegal immigration, cross-border crime, and threats to national security. The agency’s ongoing efforts have intensified under President Trump’s administration, which has made illegal immigration a primary focus.
US Mass Deportation Takes Shape: Military Aircraft Used for Deportation
On Thursday last week, the first wave of deportations began with the arrest of hundreds of migrants. Some individuals were flown out of the country on military aircraft as part of Trump’s promised US mass deportation operation. This operation is expected to intensify, with reports suggesting that Nigerians and other African immigrants in the US may be among the next targets.
The fear of deportation has now gripped many Nigerians who are residing illegally in the United States. This follows President Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration, which he introduced shortly after taking office.
Trump’s War Against Illegal Immigration: Executive Orders and More
Upon his inauguration as the 47th President of the US, Trump signed a series of executive orders designed to strengthen immigration policies. This included halting birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants. He also declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, deploying more troops to the area and vowing to deport “criminal aliens.”
US Mass Deportation: International Tensions Rise with Colombia
In the latest development, tensions between the US and Colombia have risen as President Trump threatened to deport thousands of unauthorized immigrants via military aircraft. Colombia initially resisted the idea of accepting deportees but eventually relented after a series of diplomatic exchanges. President Gustavo Petro of Colombia had previously blocked the US military planes carrying deportees, citing concerns over inhumane treatment.
However, after further negotiations, Petro agreed to allow the deportations, and the US promised to hold back some of the sanctions and tariffs previously threatened. The White House issued a statement confirming that Colombia’s cooperation would ensure that tariffs and sanctions, including visa restrictions, would remain in effect until deportations were carried out.
Diplomatic Impacts: Tariffs and Retaliatory Measures in the US Mass Deportation Dispute
In response to Colombia’s initial refusal to accept deportees, President Trump announced that the US would impose a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, with plans to raise this to 50% in the following week. He also threatened to impose banking and financial sanctions on Colombia, as well as revoke visas for Colombian government officials and their associates.
In retaliation, President Petro took to social media to announce that Colombia would impose a 25% tariff on US imports, later raising it to 50%. This diplomatic standoff highlights the far-reaching impacts of the US mass deportation policy and the international tensions it has created.
US Mass Deportation Operation Continues
As the US mass deportation operation continues, thousands of immigrants, including Nigerians, are at risk of being removed from the country. While the deportation process is complex and highly controversial, it reflects President Trump’s ongoing commitment to enforcing stricter immigration policies. This issue continues to affect both individuals and international relations, with more developments expected in the coming months.
