US Department of Homeland Security releases updated deportation list
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published an updated list of 374 West African nationals it intends to deport, releasing their names and photographs as part of its 'Worst of the Worst' initiative. Nigeria accounts for the highest number on the list, with 124 citizens named. Liberia follows with 94 individuals, while Ghana contributes 32. Sierra Leone has 26 nationals listed, Cape Verde 23, and Senegal 19.
Smaller numbers were drawn from Mauritania (12), Côte d'Ivoire (14), The Gambia (14), Burkina Faso (9), Niger (8), Guinea (6), Togo (6), and Mali (5). Guinea-Bissau and Benin each have one national on the list.
16 West African countries represented on DHS deportation list
Across all 16 West African countries represented, the combined total stands at 374 individuals. The DHS described the individuals on the list as among the most serious cases targeted for removal from the United States. The publication of names and photographs is part of a broader DHS strategy to publicly identify foreign nationals it considers a priority for deportation.
The full list, including photographs of all 374 individuals, is available on the official DHS website at dhs.gov/wow. Some of the published names include Thomas Lumeh, Samuel Wuo, Alvin Korvah, Ben Badio, Brian Danjuma, Awudu Aidoo, Masawudu Gariba, George Owusu Ansah, Koffi Bassowou, Komlanvi Edoh, Kokouvi Azouma, Abdoul Agbere, Tyrone Slowe, and Clint Tomp.
Nigeria leads West Africa in DHS deportation numbers
Nigeria's position at the top of the list reflects the scale of the Nigerian diaspora in the United States, though it also raises concern among immigration observers given the current climate around US immigration enforcement under the administration's stricter deportation policies. The DHS has not provided individual case details for those named, but the 'Worst of the Worst' designation typically refers to individuals with criminal records, outstanding deportation orders, or other immigration violations considered serious by federal authorities.
The full list by country is as follows: Benin - 1, Burkina Faso - 9, Cape Verde - 23, Côte d'Ivoire - 14, The Gambia - 14, Ghana - 32, Guinea - 6, Guinea-Bissau - 1, Liberia - 94, Nigeria - 124, Mali - 5, Mauritania - 12, Niger - 8, Senegal - 19, Sierra Leone - 26, Togo - 6. Total: 374.
Background on US deportation policies
According to the article, the DHS previously released locations of bureaux de change in Nigeria used in financing terrorism, highlighting a broader focus on West African nationals. The list is part of ongoing efforts to prioritize removal of individuals deemed threats or with serious immigration violations.
