The ongoing deportation of undocumented immigrants in the United States under former President Donald Trump’s administration has sparked global discussions. While immigration enforcement has always been a U.S. government priority, Trump’s approach stands out due to its aggressive execution and political undertones.
According to Dr. Kazeem Bello, a financial expert and founding member of the Nigeria in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) in the U.S., immigration policies are shaped by the ideologies of the ruling government. Trump’s strategy was largely influenced by his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) campaign, which heavily focused on border security and immigration control. His administration enforced a stricter approach, leading to a significant rise in deportations, including Nigerians living in the U.S.
While the exact number of undocumented Nigerians in the U.S. remains unclear, many have been advised to avoid public places such as airports, train stations, and major transportation hubs to reduce their risk of arrest. The intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, as sporadic arrests often lead to immediate deportation without following the usual legal process.
According to Vanguard News reports, Bello said: “We really do not know the numbers of undocumented Nigerians living in the US, but a significant number of them have been advised to avoid moving around public domain to avoid the current wave of inordinate arrests of the so-called undocumented immigrants. They have been advised to avoid airports, major bus and train stations and going to work if they are working as an undocumented employee.”
Dr. Bello highlights that deportations are not unique to Trump’s administration. Previous U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden, also implemented strict immigration policies. In fact, Obama deported more undocumented immigrants than any other U.S. president before Trump. Biden also took measures to curb illegal immigration, employing what was termed a “deterrent policy”—the idea that mass deportations would discourage others from attempting to enter the country illegally.
However, the key difference in Trump’s policy lies in the approach. Instead of following the traditional legal process involving arrest, trial, and deportation, his administration often bypassed these steps, opting for immediate removals. This practice has drawn criticism, particularly from civil rights organizations and attorneys in Democrat-led states, who argue that such actions violate due process and fundamental human rights.
While the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has always been active in enforcing immigration laws, Trump’s policies intensified the issue, making it a central theme of his presidency. His focus on immediate deportations often disregarded the unique circumstances of many undocumented immigrants, some of whom may have fled political persecution or war-torn regions.
