US President Donald Trump speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, on February 6, 2025. (Photo by Ting Shen / AFP)
At least 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration camps awaiting deportation under President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, with 85 already cleared for immediate repatriation.
According to U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the first batch of deportees includes convicted criminals serving sentences in U.S. prisons, as well as individuals who have violated immigration laws and lost their appeals.
Mills disclosed this information during a meeting with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at her office in Abuja. He confirmed that all deportees would be flown directly to Lagos, ruling out alternative destinations such as Port Harcourt or Abuja.
The U.S. government has been intensifying efforts to remove undocumented immigrants from its territory, affecting citizens from various countries, including Colombia, Mexico, and India.
Nigeria Calls for Dignified Repatriation
Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed to the U.S. government to ensure a humane and dignified return for the deportees. She expressed concern over reports that deported convicts are often shackled during transit, emphasizing the need for compliance with international deportation protocols.
She also urged the U.S. to grant deportees enough time to retrieve their assets and settle their affairs before repatriation, highlighting the economic and emotional toll on their families in Nigeria, many of whom rely on remittances for survival and education.
“This situation is causing significant distress for Nigerians in the U.S. and their dependents back home. Many families, including children, depend on remittances from these individuals. We hope there will be room for them to handle their assets rather than being abruptly deported,” she stated.
Concerns Over U.S. Visa Policy and Trade Relations
The minister also addressed concerns over reports of a possible suspension of the Drop Box Visa System, which allows certain categories of Nigerian travelers to renew visas without attending in-person interviews. She urged the U.S. government to clarify its stance to allay fears among Nigerians who travel for legitimate purposes.
Mills reassured the Nigerian government that the Drop Box Policy had not been suspended, explaining that policy reviews are common when a new administration takes office.
On trade relations, the U.S. envoy noted that President Trump’s administration would focus more on trade and commerce, including initiatives such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s unemployment crisis, which contributes to illegal migration. She also called for increased U.S. investment in Nigeria’s mining sector to boost exports and economic diversification.
Despite concerns over U.S. immigration policies, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to citizen diplomacy, ensuring the welfare of Nigerians abroad while strengthening diplomatic ties with Washington.
