U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed at least 1,445,549 noncitizens from 187 countries on its deportation list, with 1,282 Kenyans among those targeted.
Several African nations are also affected, including Tanzania (301), Uganda (393), Somalia (4,090), South Sudan (136), Ethiopia (1,713), and Rwanda (338).
Others on the list include Burundi (462), Congo (795), Djibouti (29), Nigeria (3,690), Niger (642), Zimbabwe (545), and Zambia (174).
ICE described the operation as part of its routine enforcement efforts to remove individuals residing in the U.S. without legal authorization.
According to the agency, those targeted have either violated immigration laws or committed offenses that warrant deportation.
“Each year, ICE carries out targeted enforcement against noncitizens who fail to comply with legal requirements or court orders,” the agency stated,
emphasizing that the individuals affected come from diverse backgrounds.
Among those facing removal, Kenyans are included in the agency’s ongoing operations.
ICE assured that the deportation process adheres to federal law and respects due process for those involved.
The U.S. government’s approach to immigration enforcement has shifted over the years.
During Donald Trump’s first week in office, he expanded immigration authorities’ powers, allowing them to bypass courts and expedite the removal of undocumented migrants.
Soon after, workplace raids took place in cities such as Chicago and Newark, New Jersey.
Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka, condemned the raids, calling them unconstitutional.
However, Trump’s administration has remained firm on immigration policies.
Since returning to power, he has vowed to carry out the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history.
On Sunday, a massive nationwide crackdown resulted in the arrest of 956 individuals-the highest number recorded since Trump resumed office.
The raids, conducted by multiple federal agencies with expanded detention powers, swept through cities including Chicago, Newark, and Miami.
Trump’s aggressive deportation agenda has been a cornerstone of his administration, fulfilling his campaign promise to reshape U.S. immigration policies.
Since taking office, he has signed 21 executive actions aimed at tightening border control and accelerating removals.
In contrast, his predecessor, Joe Biden, deported an average of 311 individuals daily, primarily those with criminal records.
Under Trump’s leadership, immigration enforcement has reached an unprecedented scale, sparking debates over legal rights and human impact.
