The Trump administration has started deporting Nigerian nationals who were illegally residing in the United States, with the first group of 85 individuals arriving in Lagos this week. This marks the beginning of a larger repatriation effort as U.S. immigration authorities have identified 201 Nigerians scheduled for deportation.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, confirmed the arrival of the first group in a social media post titled “US Deportations Begin.” According to U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills Jr., the individuals being deported fall into two primary categories: those convicted of crimes in the U.S. and those who have violated immigration laws. Some detainees had exhausted their appeals but remained in the country despite legal orders to leave.

Mills emphasized that the U.S. is prioritizing the removal of individuals with criminal records and those who have already received deportation orders. “They have committed immigration crimes, and people who have been ordered to leave must follow the law,” he stated.

Despite this, Nigerian officials are expressing concerns about the process. Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to ensure that deportations are carried out “with dignity.” She called for proper coordination to allow deportees time to settle their affairs rather than being forcibly removed without consideration for their circumstances. “Will they be allowed to handle their assets, or will they just be placed on a plane and sent back? This would be traumatic, especially for those who have not committed violent crimes,” she argued.

The Nigerian official also raised concerns about the economic impact on families who rely on financial support from those being deported. “Many of them support children and relatives in Nigeria. What happens to those who depend on them for school fees and daily living?” she questioned.

Ironically, while Nigeria objects to the return of its own citizens, the country has been carrying out its own deportations. Nigerian authorities recently announced that they expelled 828 illegal migrants last year, reinforcing their immigration policies even as they criticize the U.S. for enforcing its own.