Washington, D.C. – February 1, 2025: Fear and uncertainty have gripped many undocumented Nigerians living in the United States as reports emerge that they are abandoning work and staying indoors to avoid deportation under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to sources within Nigerian immigrant communities, the heightened crackdown on illegal immigration has forced many to go into hiding, fearing arrest and deportation. Some have reportedly quit their jobs, avoiding public places and limiting their movements to reduce the risk of being detained by immigration authorities.
“There is a lot of fear in the community,” said a Nigerian immigrant living in Texas. “People are scared to go to work or even step outside because they don’t know if they will be arrested.”
The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement since returning to office, with increased raids, stricter visa policies, and mass deportations targeting undocumented immigrants. Nigerians, among other African and Latino groups, have been particularly affected by the new measures.
Legal experts have urged affected individuals to seek proper legal guidance and explore options for regularizing their status where possible. Meanwhile, Nigerian government officials have yet to comment on the situation, though advocacy groups are calling for diplomatic interventions to protect affected nationals.
As immigration enforcement continues, many undocumented Nigerians in the U.S. remain on edge, uncertain of what the coming months will bring.
