The [Department of Homeland Security](https://www.dhs.gov) has disclosed the identities and photographs of 24 Nigerian citizens detained in multiple U.S. locations for alleged criminal conduct, as part of the current immigration enforcement and removal initiative under the Trump administration's policy of targeting non‑citizens with serious offenses.
**Key facts**
- A total of twenty‑four Nigerians are listed, each linked to offenses ranging from wire fraud to drug possession.
- Arrests were carried out by officers of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement](https://www.ice.gov) in states including Texas, Virginia, New Jersey, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Utah, New York and others.
- The Department described the individuals as “the worst of the worst” criminal aliens, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to mass deportations.
- A DHS statement noted that the announcement highlights non‑U.S. citizens with criminal records who have been apprehended by immigration officers.
- The release does not confirm whether any of the detainees have already been deported or detail their pending immigration proceedings.
What crimes are the Nigerians accused of?
The alleged offenses span a wide spectrum: wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, drug‑related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and child cruelty. Some individuals face multiple charges, such as one detainee in Wisconsin accused of weapons violations, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering.
Where were the arrests made?
Detentions occurred in cities and towns across the United States, for example:
- Richmond, Texas – mail fraud
- Chantilly, Virginia – fraud and impersonation
- Newark, New Jersey – wire fraud
- Greencastle, Indiana – amphetamine sale
- Atlanta, Georgia – wire fraud (two separate arrests)
- Fort Dix, New Jersey – wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud
- Yazoo City, Mississippi – money laundering (two separate arrests)
- Chicago, Illinois – drug possession
- Seattle, Washington – identity theft
- Tampa, Florida – child cruelty
- Lompoc, California – money laundering and wire fraud
- Orem, Utah – money laundering
- Alden, New York – assault
- And several other locations listed in the DHS release.
What does the DHS announcement signify?
According to the statement, the release is intended to draw public attention to non‑citizens with criminal records who have been captured by immigration enforcement officers. The department quoted that under its leadership, “the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump)’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst.”
The publication forms part of a broader U.S. government effort to prioritize the removal of non‑U.S. citizens deemed a threat under its immigration enforcement policy. However, the list does not indicate the final immigration status of each individual nor confirm that deportations have already taken place.