Nigeria leads African countries in the number of so-called “criminal alien” arrests in the United States as of December 2025, according to data released by Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The data places Nigeria first with 40 arrests, followed by Somalia with 27 and Liberia with 21.
A second tier includes Sudan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Eritrea and Ethiopia, each recording between nine and 18 arrests. DHS data shows arrests involving African nationals are concentrated in a small number of countries, while most others recorded three or fewer cases.
DHS said the figures relate to individuals classified within its highest-priority category, described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), rather than general immigration arrests. The designation applies to those convicted of serious crimes or facing pending charges.
The data follows campaign pledges by Donald Trump to deport “the worst criminal illegal aliens.” DHS said listed offences include murder, aggravated assault, sexual crimes, child exploitation, drug trafficking, large-scale fraud and weapons violations, noting that not all individuals have received new convictions in US courts.