United States immigration authorities have commenced deportation proceedings against a Nigerian national, Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, following his conviction for several violent and drug-related crimes.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) disclosed in a statement shared on its official X account that Ijaoba entered the United States illegally and later became involved in organised criminal activities. He was identified as a former member of the Bloods, a notorious street gang linked to violent crimes and drug trafficking across several US states.
According to ICE, Ijaoba’s criminal record includes convictions for aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, assault and aggravated assault, armed robbery, obstruction of justice, drug sales, and escape from police custody. The agency said he is currently in ICE detention and is subject to a final removal order, with deportation arrangements in progress.
“Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and a former member of the Bloods. He entered the US unlawfully and accumulated an extensive criminal record involving violent and drug-related offences,” ICE stated.
The agency did not disclose when Ijaoba entered the United States, the specific locations where the crimes were committed, or the timeline for his deportation. It noted only that he would remain in custody until the removal process is concluded in line with US immigration laws.
Under US immigration regulations, non-citizens who are unlawfully present in the country and convicted of serious crimes, including aggravated felonies, are liable to deportation upon completion of criminal proceedings. ICE said Ijaoba’s case meets these criteria.
The development comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prioritised the removal of undocumented migrants with criminal convictions, citing public safety concerns.
ICE did not indicate whether Nigerian authorities had been formally notified of the impending deportation. As of the time of reporting, there was no official response from the Nigerian government or its diplomatic mission in Washington.
US officials said Ijaoba would remain in detention pending the completion of all deportation procedures.
