United States immigration authorities have announced plans to deport a Nigerian national, Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, following his conviction for multiple violent and drug-related crimes.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified Ijaoba as a Nigerian national who entered the United States illegally and later became involved in organised criminal activity.
ICE said Ijaoba is a former member of the Bloods, a violent street gang classified by US law enforcement as a major criminal organisation.
“Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and a former member of the Bloods — a notoriously violent street gang. He entered the United States unlawfully and accumulated an extensive criminal record,” the agency said.
According to ICE, Ijaoba’s convictions include 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 custody and is subject to a final order of removal, with deportation proceedings already underway.
ICE did not disclose when Ijaoba entered the United States, the locations where the offences were committed, or a timeline for his deportation, stating only that he would remain in detention pending the completion of removal arrangements.
Under US immigration law, non-citizens who are unlawfully present in the country and convicted of serious crimes, including aggravated felonies, are liable to removal upon the conclusion of criminal proceedings. ICE said Ijaoba’s case falls within this category.
The Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles, has long been associated with violent crime and illicit drug trafficking across several US states. Affiliation with such groups is frequently cited by US authorities in both criminal prosecutions and immigration enforcement actions.
The announcement comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under the administration of President Donald Trump, which has prioritised the deportation of undocumented migrants with criminal convictions, particularly those linked to violent offences.
ICE did not indicate whether Nigerian authorities had been formally notified of Ijaoba’s pending deportation, a step typically required under international deportation protocols. No immediate response was available from the Nigerian government or its diplomatic mission in Washington.
US immigration officials said Ijaoba would remain in custody until deportation procedures are concluded in accordance with applicable regulations.
