Nigerian Man Recounts 36-Hour Deportation Flight Following 10 Months in US Detention
A Nigerian man has shared a harrowing account of his deportation from the United States, alleging he endured over 36 consecutive hours in restraints during a multi-stop flight back to Nigeria. The man, identified on social media as @ayomifull_, spent 10 months in detention under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) before being deported.
Allegations of Harsh Conditions During Flight
In a video posted on Instagram, the man detailed the journey, claiming he was handcuffed, leg-cuffed, and chained around the waist throughout the entire flight. He stated that the restraints prevented him and other deportees from standing to stretch, and they were forced to eat and use the restroom while still chained.
He described the flight path as chaotic, noting that the plane made five stops with Nigeria as the final destination, but flew over the country at least six times. According to his account, air marshals and security personnel informed deportees that the cuffs could not be removed because they were still considered to be on US soil while aboard the aircraft, even after leaving US airspace.
Treatment of Elderly Deportees and Personal Reflections
The man further alleged that elderly men and women were subjected to the same treatment, which he labeled as despicable. Despite the ordeal, he expressed gratitude for reuniting with his family safely after months in detention. He emphasized that while he does not view his deportation negatively, he criticized his experience with ICE and the treatment received by detainees.
In his words, he said, "We had elderly men and even women who were subject to this despicable treatment. Trust me I don’t consider my deportation as something negative. What was negative was my experience with ICE fighting my case and the treatment myself and other detainees received."
Social Media Reactions and Related Incidents
The post garnered sympathetic responses from followers, with comments praising his resilience and offering prayers for his future. This incident follows other reports of deportations, including a case where a 70-year-old man was allegedly deported from the US after about 50 years abroad without proper documentation, highlighting ongoing issues in immigration processes.
The man's story sheds light on the challenges faced by deportees and raises questions about the conditions during deportation flights, particularly for vulnerable individuals like the elderly.
