US lists 79 Nigerians on “Worst-of-the-Worst” criminal deportation list

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians who have been placed on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.

This announcement was made on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official website.

This move is part of renewed efforts by U.S. immigration authorities to prioritize the deportation of foreign nationals with serious criminal convictions.

According to the DHS, the individuals listed are convicted criminal aliens who were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are being prioritized for deportation.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE.

“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise by carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst offenders,” the department stated.

Some of the Nigerians named on the list and their respective convictions include:

However, the DHS has not provided a clear timeline for when the deportations will take place.

After taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump promised to prioritise the removal of violent offenders, gang members, and serious criminal aliens from the United States.

Following this, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented policies targeting undocumented migrants with criminal convictions, emphasizing public safety and national security.

DHS officials have repeatedly stated that deportation priorities are focused on those considered “the worst of the worst.” Visa restrictions and stricter enforcement measures have also been introduced, including increased screening for visa issuance and monitoring of overstays.

In 2025, the U.S. Department of State revoked over 100,000 foreign visas, more than double the number of revocations in 2024. This sharp increase reflects stricter scrutiny of entry documents and adherence to immigration rules.

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.