Donald Trump: As deportation fears mount, many Nigerian illegal immigrants in the United States have significantly restricted their movements to avoid being apprehended by immigration officials.
This comes amid President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants, which has already seen the deportation of 538 individuals since his recent inauguration.
Thousands of Nigerians at Risk
According to a report by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), about 3,690 Nigerians are currently facing deportation, joining over 1.4 million non-citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders. While Mexico and El Salvador top the list, Nigerians are also among those being closely monitored for expulsion.
Living in Fear
Speaking anonymously to Saturday PUNCH, several Nigerian immigrants revealed that they had stopped going to work, church, and other public places out of fear of being arrested. A Nigerian man residing in Tampa, Florida, disclosed that he and several African colleagues had put their jobs on hold.
“Ever since Donald Trump resumed office and acted on his threat of deportation, some of us have stopped working because ICE officers can raid workplaces at any time,” he said.
Another Nigerian in Columbus, Ohio, likened the situation to a game of survival.
“The best way to avoid being deported is to stay out of sight. It’s like a rat watching out for the presence of a cat before stepping out,” he said.
Churches and Businesses Affected
Reports indicate that Nigerian churches have advised undocumented members to attend services online, while many Nigerian Uber drivers have chosen to stay off the roads. A Nigerian lawyer based in the US confirmed that entire communities have gone underground.
Government’s Response
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged that 201 Nigerians are already in US custody, awaiting deportation. The ministry stated that while no official deportation date has been communicated, it is working closely with relevant agencies to facilitate their return and reintegration into Nigerian society.
‘Japa’ Plans on Hold
Donald Trump’s tough stance on immigration has also discouraged many Nigerians from traveling to the US for education and work opportunities. Education consultants say many prospective students are now exploring alternative destinations due to growing uncertainty.
A student, Wale Dada, who had been preparing for a Master’s program in the US, lamented, “I cannot afford to leave Nigeria only to get there and be treated like a criminal.”
As Donald Trump’s administration presses forward with its stringent immigration policies, the future remains uncertain for thousands of undocumented Nigerians who now live in fear, hoping for a legal breakthrough or a policy shift in the coming months.