A total of 355 West Africans are facing deportation from the United States as authorities step up immigration enforcement under the expanded West Africa Operations Watch initiative.
Figures released by the United States Department of Homeland Security show that Nigerians account for the largest group on the deportation list, with 110 nationals earmarked for removal. Liberia follows with 94 citizens, while Ghana has 30 and Senegal 19.
Other West African countries affected include The Gambia with 14 nationals, Côte d’Ivoire 14, Mauritania 12, Cape Verde 11, Burkina Faso nine, Niger eight, Guinea six, Togo six, Mali five, and one citizen each from Benin and Guinea Bissau. The list also includes nationals from Cameroon.
The Department of Homeland Security published the names and photographs of those scheduled for deportation, describing them as among the most serious offenders arrested by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
While authorities did not disclose the specific offences attached to every individual on the latest list, previous operations under the agency’s “Worst of the Worst” programme have targeted people convicted of crimes including fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, violent offences and sexual crimes.
Officials said the removals form part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws, including action against visa overstays, undocumented migrants and individuals found guilty of criminal offences.
The latest figures indicate a rise in the number of Nigerians facing deportation. Earlier this year, 97 Nigerians were listed for removal, but recent records show that number has increased significantly. Separate data from the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons shows that 287 Nigerians were serving sentences in federal prisons as of May, with offences ranging from burglary and drug related crimes to weapons and sex offences.
Among Ghanaians on the deportation list, some face serious allegations including homicide, sexual assault, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The deportation programme reflects the Trump administration’s renewed focus on stricter immigration controls and accelerated removals, with officials saying enforcement efforts will continue against individuals considered a threat to public safety and in violation of United States immigration laws.
