The first batch of Nigerians marked for deportation under President Donald Trump’s immigration policy has left the United States. Reports confirm that 14 West African nationals were recently deported and arrived in Ghana, among them Nigerian and Gambian citizens.
The deportees, who were received in Accra, were later transported by bus to their respective countries, including Nigeria. Ghana accepted them under a special arrangement with Washington, which allows the United States to send West African deportees to Accra before they are relocated to their home countries.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana explained that his country agreed to the arrangement in line with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, which permits citizens of member states to enter Ghana without visas. “We are acting under regional obligations, but this does not mean our relationship with the US is without strain,” Mahama added, noting existing tensions over tariffs and visa restrictions placed on Ghanaian nationals by Washington.
The deportations come as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration clampdown, which prioritizes strict enforcement and controversial “third-country” returns. Under this system, migrants can be deported not directly to their home country but to a partner nation, raising concerns from human rights groups about legality, due process, and the treatment of deportees.
Nigeria has in the past resisted pressure from Washington to accept deportees who are not its citizens. However, this recent exercise specifically involved Nigerians alongside others from the region. While details remain unclear on whether those deported had criminal convictions or were simply undocumented migrants, the move signals Washington’s intent to expand its deportation program despite international criticism.
Observers warn that the policy may strain relations between the United States and affected African governments, especially if large-scale deportations continue. For now, Nigerians returned under the program have re-entered the country quietly, even as questions persist about the legal and humanitarian framework governing such removals.
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