Intensified ICE raids under President Trump have driven some Nigerians in the U.S. into hiding and prompted others to consider or pursue self-deportation amid fear, uncertainty and tightened immigration policies.
Some Nigerians in the United States have gone into hiding or quietly returned home amid intensified Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids under President Donald Trump, Saturday PUNCH reports. The crackdown, which began after Trump’s January 2025 inauguration, has sparked fear following deadly encounters involving ICE officers and widespread house-to-house enforcement actions.
Immigrants and community leaders say the raids have disrupted livelihoods and heightened anxiety. A Nigerian woman said, “It is very traumatising the way these (ICE) people are treating immigrants,” while Maryland-based community leader Chris Ademiluyi noted, “They are in hiding instead. Nigeria is not any better.” Advocacy groups report growing inquiries from Nigerians weighing self-deportation amid visa restrictions and enforcement pressure.