The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified 3,690 Nigerians among nearly two million non-citizens slated for deportation as part of a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump’s administration.

A document from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), obtained by Fox News, revealed that as of November 24, 2024, 1,445,549 individuals on the non-detained docket had final orders of removal.

Nigeria ranks second in Africa for the number of nationals listed, trailing Somalia with 4,090 individuals. Ghana is third, with 3,228. Globally, Mexico tops the list with 252,044 citizens facing deportation.

The U.S. government has called on foreign nations to cooperate in the deportation process by confirming citizenship, issuing travel documents, and accepting repatriation. Countries that fail to comply risk being labelled as uncooperative by ICE.

“Lack of cooperation from foreign governments delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,” the document noted. It warned that non-compliance could result in countries being classified as uncooperative or at-risk by ICE.

President Trump, who has repeatedly described illegal immigrants as a threat to U.S. security, prioritised immigration reform during his campaign and presidency.

Hours after his second inauguration, he signed several executive orders, including one declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and deploying troops to enhance border security.

This announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of illegal immigration, with the administration emphasising the link between deportations and national security.