The United States’ Nigerian community is on edge following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping immigration reforms targeting undocumented immigrants. Concerns have mounted after the 47th U.S. President signed a series of executive orders on his inauguration day aimed at tightening immigration policies, including an end to birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.
The aggressive stance has already resulted in the deportation of 538 undocumented immigrants on Thursday, sparking fears among Nigerians and other African communities residing in the U.S. illegally. Trump’s directive also declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and pledged to deploy additional troops while threatening mass deportations of “criminal aliens.”
In a social media post, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to the initiative as “the largest massive deportation operation in history,” further fueling anxiety among immigrant groups, including Nigerians.
Nigerian Communities on High Alert
Reports from Hobnob News reveal heightened apprehension within Nigerian communities across the U.S. Many individuals have reportedly reduced their movements, fearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The crackdown has primarily targeted Mexicans, Haitians, and Indians, but Nigerians fear they could be next.
Jacob Adegoke, a Nigerian-American and staunch Trump supporter, affirmed this fear, stating that the current focus is on Mexicans and Haitians, with Africans likely to follow. Supporting this claim, Nigerian media entrepreneur Obi-West Utchaychukwu noted that while no arrests of Nigerians have been reported yet, communities remain vigilant.
In New York, a Nigerian resident identified as Adebayo shared with Hobnob News, “There is a lot of apprehension in the Nigerian community right now. While I haven’t personally witnessed any arrests, many undocumented Nigerians are deeply worried about the policies of the new administration. My neighbor even warned me to be cautious when going out, citing reports of ICE agents targeting even those with valid papers.”
ICE Raids Heighten Fear
Immigration enforcement agents have intensified operations, raiding establishments suspected of harboring undocumented immigrants. A recent raid in Newark, New Jersey, resulted in the detention of an American military veteran alongside multiple undocumented residents. The incident has amplified concerns within immigrant communities.
A source in New Jersey shared, “The case of the American veteran being arrested alongside undocumented immigrants has only heightened the panic. However, the legal challenges mounted by some U.S. states against the executive orders offer a glimmer of hope.”
Legal Concerns for Student Visa Holders
Beyond undocumented immigrants, Nigerians on student visas and other temporary schemes are also feeling the pressure. An immigration lawyer based in Maryland disclosed to Hobnob News that individuals on such visas, especially those planning transitions to permanent residency, are increasingly concerned.
“In Newark, for example, immigration officials recently raided a frozen food store in search of illegal immigrants,” the lawyer explained. “Many Nigerians fall into similar categories, and those with student visas or other transitional visas are particularly vulnerable.”
The lawyer added that individuals with prior criminal records could face expedited deportation, as ICE prioritizes such cases.
States Push Back Against Federal Orders
While the Trump administration’s policies have created unease, resistance from certain U.S. states offers some reassurance. Several states have launched legal challenges against the executive orders, contesting their scope and implementation. Advocates for immigrant rights continue to call for policies that balance national security with humane treatment for immigrants.
For now, many Nigerians and other African immigrants in the U.S. remain on edge, adopting a wait-and-see approach as the situation unfolds. With Trump’s mass deportation policies gaining momentum, the fear of being targeted looms large within immigrant communities across the country.
