United States immigration authorities have commenced deportation proceedings against a Nigerian national, Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, following his conviction for multiple violent and drug-related offences.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the development in a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, describing Ijaoba as an undocumented migrant with an extensive criminal history.
According to ICE, Ijaoba entered the United States illegally and later became involved in organised criminal activity. The agency identified him as a former member of the Bloods, a notorious street gang widely linked to violent crime and illegal drug trafficking across several US states.
“Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and a former member of the Bloods — a notoriously violent street gang,” ICE stated, noting that his criminal record spans several serious offences.
The convictions listed by the agency include aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, armed robbery, obstruction of justice, assault, drug sales, and escape from police custody.
ICE confirmed that Ijaoba is currently in its custody and is subject to a final order of removal, with deportation arrangements already in progress. However, the agency did not disclose details regarding when he entered the US, where the crimes were committed, or the expected date of his deportation.
Under US immigration law, undocumented non-citizens convicted of serious crimes or aggravated felonies are eligible for removal upon completion of criminal proceedings. ICE said Ijaoba’s case meets these legal requirements.
The development comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prioritised the removal of undocumented migrants with violent criminal records.
ICE did not confirm whether Nigerian authorities have been formally notified of the pending deportation. There was no immediate response from the Nigerian government or its diplomatic mission in Washington.
US officials said Ijaoba would remain in detention until all deportation procedures are concluded in line with established regulations.
