The United States Department of Homeland Security has released the names and photographs of 10 Nigerians arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in connection with alleged criminal offences, as the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration enforcement campaign.
The latest names were published on the DHS website as part of its “Worst of the Worst” register, which highlights immigrants whom the department says were arrested by ICE over serious criminal allegations.
Also read: Florida recovers 163 missing children in largest statewide operation as three men charged
The list includes Nigerians linked to alleged wire fraud, identity theft, drug offences, assault, conspiracy, child cruelty and sexual offences involving children.
Among those named is Temitope Bashua, listed in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, in connection with alleged wire fraud, identity theft and fraud.
Ojehoro Lewis, listed in Conroe, Texas, was identified in relation to an allegation involving cruelty towards a child.
Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe, also listed in Louisville, Kentucky, was named over an alleged wire fraud case.
Daniel Oworen, from Conroe, Texas, was listed in connection with dangerous-drug allegations.
Raymond H. Ekevwo, listed in Oxford, Wisconsin, was named over an alleged wire fraud offence.
The register also includes Franklin Dikeocha, listed in Dallas, Texas, over an alleged sex offence involving a child, described by DHS as fondling.
Johnson Ogunlana, from White Deer, Pennsylvania, was listed in connection with alleged fraud and identity theft.
Chukwuemeka Okorocha, listed in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, was named over allegations involving wire fraud, dangerous drugs, possession of a weapon and aggravated assault involving a non-family gun.
Tunde Korede, also listed in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, was identified in connection with an alleged conspiracy offence.
The tenth Nigerian, Chukwuemeka Chinye, was listed in Pollock, Louisiana, over allegations including larceny from a banking-type institution, fraud, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy.
The publication comes as US immigration authorities continue to prioritise migrants with criminal records or pending criminal cases as part of the administration’s wider deportation campaign.
US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the enforcement drive, saying ICE officers were targeting immigrants whom the administration considers serious criminal threats.
“Every day, the patriots of ICE are working to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our country,” Mullin said.
Mullin also said the administration would continue pursuing arrests and deportations, including in cities and jurisdictions that have policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
DHS said the latest enforcement activity was part of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy, which places particular emphasis on individuals accused of serious crimes.
“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations,” the department said.
The latest publication follows a similar DHS release in July, when the department published another list naming 124 Nigerians arrested by ICE and placed on the same register.
The earlier list contained Nigerians associated with a range of alleged criminal offences. As with the latest publication, DHS did not provide specific deportation dates for the individuals named.
The new list comes amid heightened scrutiny of undocumented immigration in the United States, with federal authorities expanding enforcement operations and pursuing deportation proceedings against migrants accused or convicted of criminal offences.
However, being included on the DHS register does not by itself establish that every allegation resulted in a criminal conviction.
The individuals named remain subject to the applicable criminal and immigration processes, and the precise status of each case may differ.
For Nigerians living in the United States, the development highlights the growing reach of the current US immigration enforcement campaign and the increasing attention being placed on migrants accused of criminal activity.
Also read: Florida recovers 163 missing children in largest statewide operation as three men charged
The publication of the names and photographs is likely to attract further attention as DHS continues to publicise arrests under the administration’s broader immigration strategy.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
