US-based Nigerians go into hiding amid Trump’s deportation crackdown

 

In response to President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement, many Nigerian undocumented immigrants in the United States have curtailed their public activities to avoid detection and potential deportation. This caution follows the administration’s recent executive orders aimed at strengthening immigration policies, including the cessation of birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants.

According to data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), approximately 3,690 Nigerians are currently facing deportation orders. The document, titled “Non-citizens on the ICE Non-Detained Docket with Final Orders of Removal by Country of Citizenship,” indicates that as of November 24, 2024, there were 1,445,549 non-citizens with final removal orders, with Mexico and El Salvador leading the list.

Following the inauguration, the administration has initiated large-scale deportation operations. On January 23, 538 individuals were deported, marking the commencement of what officials describe as the largest deportation operation in history.

In light of these developments, some Nigerian immigrants have chosen to remain indoors, avoiding workplaces, religious gatherings, and other public venues to minimize the risk of apprehension by ICE agents. One individual in Tampa, Florida, shared that he has ceased attending work and church services, stating, “The fear of Trump is the beginning of wisdom now.” Despite the challenges, there is hope among the community that ongoing legal challenges against the administration’s immigration policies may lead to a relaxation of the current enforcement measures.

These actions have instilled anxiety within Nigerian communities in the U.S., as many fear deportation. Some U.S.-based Nigerians have indicated that the government may target Nigerian illegal immigrants following actions against individuals from other countries.

The situation remains fluid, with affected individuals closely monitoring legal proceedings and policy changes that could impact their residency status in the United States.