PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
By Daniel Okejeme with agency report
As the gale of deportation continues to sweep through the United States of America, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged the U.S. government to adhere to established protocols when deporting immigrants from its territory.
This appeal comes on the heels of a visit by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., to the ministry in Abuja on Sunday.
In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication, Mr. Magnus Eze, the minister expressed the emotional and financial distress faced by many Nigerians in the U.S. since the new administration signalled its intention to deport certain categories of immigrants.
She said: “With the new U.S. administration, we want commitments. If deportation must happen, it should be dignified.”
The minister revealed that about 201 Nigerians are currently in U.S. immigration camps, with approximately 85 already cleared for deportation.
She said: “Will they be given time to manage their assets, or will they simply be bundled onto planes and sent back?”
She highlighted the far-reaching impact of deportation, affecting not only those being repatriated but also their families in Nigeria who rely on their remittances for survival and education.
She emphasized the importance of treating deported individuals with dignity, allowing them to settle their affairs before returning to ensure a smoother transition.
The minister expressed concerns over the possible suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to reconsider suspending the Drop Box Visa Policy, ensuring that genuine travelers are not overly burdened when applying for visas.
She called for an official U.S. statement clarifying its stance on the Drop Box system to address growing concerns among Nigerians.
The minister pointed out that over 14,000 Nigerian students study in the U.S., with parents in Nigeria worried about possible changes to student visa policies.
Speaking on the uncertain future of USAID, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “We cannot confirm outright suspension, but many NGOs are anxious for clarification.”
The minister appealed for the continuation of USAID programmes, citing their importance in addressing humanitarian issues in Nigeria and across Africa.
She commended post-COVID-19 trade relations between both countries and encouraged investments in mining and the reactivation of the ‘Silent Secretariat’ for bilateral assessments.
In response to concerns about the Drop Box Visa Policy, Amb. Mills clarified that the policy has not been suspended, but was instead under review as part of the new administration’s broader policy adjustments.
He assured that USAID remains committed to life-saving initiatives, particularly in healthcare and humanitarian aid, though some NGOs were experiencing difficulties.
The ambassador also expressed concerns about democracy in Africa, the withdrawal of three Sahel countries from ECOWAS, and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Mills said repatriated Nigerians would be returned to Lagos, without consideration for alternative destinations like Port Harcourt or Abuja.
He said: “The first group will include convicted criminals and those who have violated U.S. immigration laws. Some appealed but were denied and must now leave.”
He reaffirmed the U.S dedication to fortifying trade ties with Nigeria, saying: “This administration will focus more on trade and commerce to sustain our strong relationship.”
U.S. President Donald Trump is known for his massive deportations during his first term as president.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations(ERO) report, in fiscal year 2017, ICE removed 226,119 aliens from the United States.
Between 2018 and 2020, the Trump administration carried out a total of 709,948 removals and returns, with 256,806 in 2018, 267,258 in 2019, and 185,884 in 2020.
Since assuming his second term in January 2025, Trump has been threatening to continue his massive deportations.
Persecondnews recalls that on January 23, 2025, U.S. ICE launched a series of raids on sanctuary cities, resulting in the detention and deportation of hundreds of undocumented immigrants.
Notably, ICE raids were carried out in multiple cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Miami, New York City, and Seattle, leading to the detention of 538 undocumented immigrants.
The Trump administration also reversed an Obama-era directive, stripping protections for undocumented immigrants in sensitive locations such as hospitals, places of worship, and schools.
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