National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Nigerians and other African immigrants in the United States are increasingly fearful of being targeted for deportation following U.S. President Donald Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration.
The new measures, announced after Trump took office as the 47th President of the U.S., have sent shockwaves through the Nigerian community, many of whom are worried about their status in the country.
Trump’s administration has made it clear that it intends to crack down on illegal immigration with a series of executive orders, including stopping birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants.
As part of his immigration war, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border with Mexico, deploying additional troops and threatening to deport “criminal aliens.”
The U.S. Justice Department has warned local and state authorities that they will be prosecuted if they do not comply with Trump’s immigration directives, which include plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
Last Thursday alone, 538 illegal immigrants were sent back to their home countries.
Trump’s Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, shared on her official X handle that “the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway,” a statement that has heightened concerns among immigrant communities, including Nigerians.
Fear of Deportation in the Nigerian Community
The fear of being deported is palpable within the Nigerian communities in the U.S. Many Nigerians living illegally in the country are worried that they could be next in line after the U.S. government’s focus shifted to deporting Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians.
Jacob Adegoke, a Nigerian-American and strong supporter of Trump, believes that while the focus may currently be on other immigrant groups, “The next will be Africans.”
His sentiments are echoed by Nigerian media entrepreneur Obi-West Utchaychukwu, who says that Nigerians are anxiously watching the unfolding situation. “We’ve been monitoring it closely. No one has been arrested yet, but the fear is real,” Utchaychukwu said.
Cautious Movement and Heightened Anxiety
Nigerians living in major cities like New York and New Jersey have become increasingly cautious, with some avoiding certain areas and keeping a low profile.
A Nigerian source in New York, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, told Sunday PUNCH, “There’s a lot of apprehension in the Nigerian community right now.
My neighbour even called me yesterday, warning me to be cautious when going out. There have been reports that even people with valid papers are being targeted by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).”
The deportation order has seen ICE agents conducting raids at businesses and homes, arresting suspected undocumented immigrants.
Recently, a business in Newark was raided, and an American military veteran was detained alongside several undocumented individuals.
A New Jersey source confirmed the incident, noting that the case has sparked greater panic, even among those with legal status.
Deportation Risks for Many Nigerians
Nigerian immigration lawyer, Adebayo (not his real name) discussed the potential risks for Nigerians living in the U.S. under various visa schemes.
He highlighted how many Nigerians are vulnerable, especially those on student visas or those attempting to transition to other legal statuses.
“For example, in Newark, they raided a frozen food store in search of illegal immigrants. Many Nigerians fall into that category. People with student visas who are trying to change their status may also find themselves targeted,” Adebayo said.
Another major concern is immigrants with criminal records, who are particularly at risk. Law enforcement is increasingly focusing on deporting individuals with any form of criminal history.
Reassurance Amid the Fear
While the atmosphere remains tense, some Nigerians find reassurance in the fact that several states are challenging Trump’s executive orders.
Despite the raids and deportations, these legal challenges may slow down the process for some immigrants, offering a glimmer of hope for those at risk.
As the deportation operation continues, many Nigerians in the U.S. are left to navigate the uncertainty, wondering if they will be the next to face the crackdown.
“We can only hope the government will reconsider these policies,” said Adebayo. “But until then, the fear remains.”
(Punch)
