Was Deadly Force Justified? Why an ICE Agent Shot a Motorist in Minneapolis During Immigration Raids—and How This Killing Is Reigniting America’s Immigration and Police Brutality Debate

Was the fatal shooting of a motorist by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis an act of self-defence—or a troubling escalation in America’s immigration crackdown? And how far is the U.S. government willing to go in enforcing immigration laws under the Trump administration?

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed a woman during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis after authorities said she attempted to drive her vehicle into law enforcement officers. The incident occurred in a residential neighbourhood as ICE carried out what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as “targeted operations” connected to an ongoing nationwide enforcement surge.

According to DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the confrontation unfolded after protesters reportedly surrounded officers at the scene. She alleged that the woman “weaponized her vehicle” in an attempt to run over federal agents—calling the act “domestic terrorism.” The woman was shot inside her car, but as of Wednesday evening, authorities had not released her identity or confirmed whether body-camera footage would be made public.

Why is this incident causing such outrage? The killing comes amid a dramatic expansion of federal immigration enforcement in major U.S. cities. Just one day earlier, DHS announced the deployment of approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of a sweeping crackdown linked in part to alleged fraud involving members of the Somali community. The announcement immediately heightened tensions in a region already sensitive to aggressive immigration operations.

Following the shooting, crowds of protesters flooded the area, chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota!”—slogans that have echoed across other U.S. cities experiencing similar raids. Civil rights advocates and community leaders have called for an independent investigation, demanding transparency around the use of deadly force by federal officers during immigration operations.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly condemned the federal presence, accusing ICE of destabilising the city. “Immigration agents are causing chaos in our city,” he said, insisting that federal authorities leave Minnesota and affirming the city’s support for immigrant and refugee communities.

What does this mean for immigration enforcement in America? The shooting is being widely seen as a turning point in an already polarising national debate over immigration, policing, and the militarisation of federal law enforcement. With Minneapolis now emerging as a flashpoint—alongside cities like Los Angeles and Chicago—the incident raises urgent questions: Are ICE operations becoming more dangerous for both officers and civilians? Is the use of lethal force becoming normalised in immigration enforcement? And will federal authorities face greater scrutiny or legal challenges over how these operations are conducted?

As investigations loom and public anger grows, the Minneapolis shooting is likely to intensify political battles over immigration policy, civil rights, and the limits of federal power—reshaping how America confronts one of its most divisive issues in the years ahead.

US Seizes Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela and Russia Over Sanctions Violation
January 7, 2026 – International

The United States has confirmed the seizure of an oil tanker accused of violating U.S. sanctions, marking a major enforcement action against vessels attempting to bypass American restrictions. The tanker, originally identified as M/V Bella 1, had been renamed Marinera and was operating under a Russian flag while sailing in the North Atlantic. Reports indicate that the vessel previously flew a Guyana flag before its re-registration under Russia.

The U.S. European Command stated that the seizure was executed in coordination with multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Tracking operations were supported by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro. According to officials, the operation was carried out pursuant to a U.S. federal court warrant and reflects a “whole-of-government” approach to protecting U.S. interests and enforcing sanctions.

“The seizure supports the President’s proclamation targeting sanctioned vessels that threaten security and stability in the Western Hemisphere,” the U.S. European Command noted. Officials emphasized that the action was carefully planned to avoid environmental damage and focused on recovering the tanker rather than sinking it.

This operation follows recent diplomatic talks between U.S. and Venezuelan officials regarding potential exports of Venezuelan crude to American refineries along the Gulf Coast. U.S. refineries, which have historically processed Venezuela’s heavy crude, are reportedly capable of handling future imports once sanctions allow. Sources noted that the discussions come after years of restrictions that curtailed Venezuelan oil exports to the United States.

The seizure also comes in the wake of a controversial U.S. military operation in Venezuela in early January 2026, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The U.S. justified the operation by citing federal indictments accusing Maduro’s government of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, alleging that the regime helped ship large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Following the operation, former President Donald Trump openly declared that the U.S. intended to take control of Venezuela’s oil industry, which he claimed was built with American investment and seized by Maduro.

In his first public comments after being taken to the U.S., Maduro described himself as “kidnapped” and insisted on his innocence. The tanker seizure is seen as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to reassert influence over sanctioned energy exports and prevent regimes like Venezuela and Russia from profiting from illicit oil trade.

Experts note that the operation highlights the strategic importance of maritime enforcement in the global energy market and underscores the U.S.’s commitment to sanctions enforcement. The tanker, part of what officials have described as a “shadow fleet” circumventing international regulations, was carefully monitored for weeks before the operation, demonstrating the complexity of tracking and intercepting high-value maritime targets.

The U.S. emphasized that similar operations may continue against vessels suspected of violating sanctions, particularly those tied to sanctioned nations or illicit networks. The seizure reinforces the administration’s dual approach of diplomatic engagement and targeted enforcement to secure energy markets and uphold international sanctions.

“US Imposes $15,000 Visa Bonds on Nigerians for Business and Tourist Travel – New Travel Restrictions Explained”

The United States government has introduced stringent new visa requirements that may affect Nigerians and other nationals from high-risk countries seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas. According to an official notice on the US Department of State website (Travel.State.Gov), applicants may now be required to post visa bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on individual circumstances assessed during visa interviews. Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and any fees paid without a consular officer’s direction will not be refunded.
This directive, effective January 21, 2026, for Nigeria, affects 38 countries worldwide, with 24 African nations included. Visa bonds act as financial guarantees for nationals from countries classified as high-risk, ensuring compliance with visa regulations and departure requirements. Applicants must submit the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and make payments via the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. Bond holders are also required to enter the US only through designated airports such as Boston Logan, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles.
The new restrictions follow a partial travel suspension imposed on Nigeria on December 16, 2025, due to security concerns linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State activities, alongside high visa overstay rates—5.56% for B1/B2 visas and 11.90% for student and exchange visas (F, M, and J categories). The US government emphasized that bonds are refundable only when a visa holder departs on time, does not travel before visa expiration, or is denied admission at a port of entry.
This move is part of broader US efforts to tighten travel compliance for nationals from countries with security, immigration, or overstay concerns, highlighting the increasing scrutiny facing Nigerian travelers seeking entry to the United States.

Afghan National Sentenced to 15 Years in U.S. Prison for Plotting 2024 Election Day ISIS Terror Attack

Abdullah Haji Zada, an Afghan national and lawful U.S. permanent resident, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiring with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to carry out a violent attack targeting the 2024 U.S. Election Day. Authorities revealed that Zada attempted to acquire two AK-47-style rifles and roughly 500 rounds of ammunition, intending to use them in a mass-casualty attack designed to disrupt the democratic process.

The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which used intelligence and counterterrorism monitoring to identify Zada, execute search warrants, seize evidence, and prevent the plot. U.S. officials emphasized that ISIS continues to encourage attacks on American soil, particularly around symbolic events such as national elections.

Following the completion of his sentence, Zada will be handed over to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations for deportation to Afghanistan. This case underscores ongoing U.S. efforts to safeguard electoral processes and prevent terrorist threats, highlighting the critical role of ICE HSI in dismantling transnational extremist networks.

U.S. Offers $3,000 Cash and Free Flight for Undocumented Immigrants Who Leave Before 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a program offering undocumented immigrants a $3,000 cash incentive and a free flight home if they voluntarily leave the country before December 31, 2025. The initiative, facilitated through the CBP Home mobile app, also forgives any outstanding civil fines or penalties for overstaying. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the offer is temporary, warning that those who do not comply risk arrest, forced deportation, and permanent bans from re-entry. The policy is part of the administration’s broader effort to encourage “self-deportation” amid heightened immigration enforcement.

#USImmigration
#VoluntaryDeportation
#DHS

TRUMP ADMIN FINDS 129,000 MIGRANT KIDS THAT BIDEN LOST AT THE BORDER

Trump’s team says they just found 129,000 missing migrant kids the Biden admin totally lost track of after letting them into the U.S. with almost zero follow-up.

Homeland Security Sec. Noem says some of these kids were trafficked or abused, and now they’re trying to track down every last one.

They had to search through immigration records, court logs, and agency files just to figure out which kids even showed up to a hearing.

Around 500,000 migrant minors crossed the border under Biden, but thousands were dumped with barely vetted adults, no in-person checks, and no clue where they ended up.

Whistleblowers even said some “sponsors” were gang members or traffickers, and 291,000 kids never even got a court date.

Who exactly thought this was a good idea?

Source: Daily Wire

DHS Says Over 2.5 Million Illegal Immigrants Have Left US as ICE Arrests ‘Worst of the Worst’ Criminal Migrants Under Trump Crackdown

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced a major enforcement success, revealing that more than 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the United States since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. DHS said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently arrested illegal immigrants with serious criminal records, including burglary, bank robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and violent assault, describing the suspects as the “worst of the worst.” Officials say the coordinated crackdown has resulted in what the Trump administration calls the most secure U.S. border in history, crediting aggressive deportation policies and expanded law enforcement cooperation for improving public safety nationwide.

NIGERIAN COUPLE KIDNAPS FEDERAL AGENT IN WILD ATTEMPT TO EVADE DEPORTATION IN MINNESOTA

A Nigerian man allegedly overstaying his visa and his female accomplice trapped a Homeland Security agent inside their SUV, then drove him to a different police station as he screamed for help and pulled a gun.

Oluwadamilola Bamigboye and Rekeya Frazier face federal charges after pushing agents out of the car, ignoring commands, and taking off, with one agent still inside fighting to stop the vehicle.

The agent feared he was being abducted, had no idea where he was, and had to pull his weapon to try to stop the ride.

This isn’t just resisting arrest, it’s full-blown abduction of a federal officer on American soil.

Source: KSTP

US Officials Reportedly Weighing TP-Link Router Ban Over National Security Concerns

The US government is reportedly considering a sweeping ban on TP-Link routers amid growing national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-origin networking brand. According to The Washington Post, several federal agencies including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Defense have been backing a potential move by the Commerce Department to restrict the brand’s products from the US market.

Burkina Faso Rejects U.S. Deportation Request, Calls It “Indecent” and Against National Dignity

In a bold diplomatic move, Burkina Faso’s military government has rejected a proposal from the United States to accept individuals deported from America who are not Burkinabè citizens. The decision, announced by Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré on national television on Thursday, October 9, 2025, underscores the West African nation’s firm stance on sovereignty and national pride.

Traoré described the U.S. request as “indecent and unacceptable,” stating that it contradicts the values and vision of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s leader.

“Burkina Faso is not a land of deportation but one of dignity,” he declared.


The rejection came just hours after the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou temporarily suspended visa services, redirecting applicants to the U.S. Embassy in Togo. The embassy did not provide reasons for the decision.

In response to a U.S. diplomatic note suggesting that Burkinabè nationals were misusing visas, the foreign minister dismissed the claim as a “pressure tactic.” He reaffirmed that Burkina Faso would not bow to external influence or compromise its integrity.

As of the announcement, neither the U.S. Department of Homeland Security nor the U.S. Embassy had issued an official statement addressing the matter.

This development comes amid rising global diplomatic tensions, as the White House also criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee over its decision to award the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, citing political bias.

Former US president George W. Bush's favourite chef deported for crossing the border illegally in 1989.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported a chef who had been living in the United States for 36 years and catered events related to the White House during the administration of former President George W. Bush.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, wrote in a statement: “Sergio Garcia Silva is a CRIMINAL. This criminal illegal alien from Mexico was previously removed from this country in March 2025, over 20 years after a judge issued him a final order of removal. He chose to ignore our laws and illegally re-enter the country, a federal felony offense.

This lawbreaker was arrested by Border Patrol and was convicted for illegal re-entry. Bottom line: Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”

The case of Garcia—a chef who lived in Waco, Texas, and first came to the United States in 1989—underscores the concerns raised about deportations and has rattled the local community.

Garcia entered the U.S. when he was 29 years old and did not plan to stay long in the country, reported The Waco Bridge. But he began working at restaurants in Texas and made friends, even meeting his future wife, Sandra, and ended up overstaying his visa. He would sell ceviche out of Styrofoam cups at his local soccer field and opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 1995.

During Bush’s presidency, members of the White House press corps frequently visited his restaurant, and he eventually began catering events.

They started a family and lived in the U.S. for 36 years with no issues—he had no criminal record other than a decades-old deportation order, the Bridge reported. But in March of this year, ICE agents arrested him at his food truck. Within one day, he had been deported across to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

He attempted to take a bus to Monterrey, where his wife’s family lives, but was instead taken to a “compound” and extorted for money to help him cross the border, he told the publication. He was not able to contact his family for 36 days. He was apprehended at the border and spent the next month in a detention center before being flown to Chiapas.

US offers $2,500 incentive for migrants to return to their home countries.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly developing a new program that would offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers a $2,500 incentive to voluntarily return to their countries of origin, according to a CNN report citing an internal administration memo.

Under the proposed initiative, the pilot phase would target 17-year-old migrants, with each case requiring approval from an immigration judge. The payment described as a “reintegration stipend” would be disbursed after the minor’s arrival in their home country to help them resettle.

Officials say the measure aims to reduce long-term detention costs and encourage voluntary returns. The plan mirrors an existing Trump-era program that offers $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who opt for self-deportation, a move the government has defended as a more cost-effective and humane approach than forced deportation.

An ICE spokesperson emphasized that the new program would be entirely voluntary, adding that it is designed to allow minors “to make an informed decision about their future.” As of October 2, about 2,100 unaccompanied children were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.

However, immigrant rights advocates have condemned the plan, warning that financial incentives could pressure vulnerable youths into returning to unsafe or unstable conditions.

“There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law.

Critics argue that the initiative undermines long-standing U.S. protections for migrant children, potentially reigniting debates over the ethics of the country’s immigration and deportation practices.

Trump govt offers migrant teens $2,500 to voluntarily leave US.

The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to offer unaccompanied migrant teenagers in the U.S. a $2,500 payment if they voluntarily return to their home countries, CNN reports.

According to an administration memo, the initiative would begin with 17-year-old migrants and require approval from an immigration judge.

The payment would be issued after arrival in their home country to help with “reintegration efforts.”

The Trump administration already provides $1,000 “exit bonuses” to undocumented adults who choose self-deportation, citing the approach as more cost-effective than detention and deportation.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the program is “strictly voluntary” and allows minors “to make an informed decision about their future.”

As of October 2, roughly 2,100 unaccompanied minors were in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Critics, however, argue that paying children to leave undermines long-standing protections for vulnerable migrant youths under U.S. law.

“There is no legitimate reason for the government to incentivize voluntary departure with a financial payoff,” said Neha Desai of the National Center for Youth Law.

Immigrant advocates warn the policy could pressure children to return to unsafe conditions, reigniting debates over how the administration handles unaccompanied minors at the border.

Trump Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000, Launches New “Gold Card” Residency Program

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sharply increasing the H-1B visa application fee to $100,000, a move expected to significantly impact America’s technology sector.

The order coincides with the introduction of a new “gold card” residency program, which offers fast-tracked US residency for $1 million, or $2 million if paid via corporate sponsorship.

“The main thing is, we’re going to have great people coming in, and they’re going to be paying,” Trump said Friday in the Oval Office as he signed the measures.

The H-1B visa program enables US companies to employ foreign professionals with specialized skills—including scientists, engineers, and programmers—for an initial three-year period, renewable up to six years. Each year, 85,000 slots are available through a lottery system, with Indian applicants historically receiving about 75% of the visas. These visas are critical for US tech firms seeking to fill skill gaps.

Industry leaders, including Elon Musk, have previously warned that restricting H-1B visas could hurt the tech industry, citing the shortage of domestic talent in key sectors.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, present at the signing, stated, “All the big companies are on board.”

During his first term, Trump attempted to limit which jobs qualified for H-1B sponsorship, but courts blocked those efforts. The new order represents a continuation of his broader immigration restrictions in his second term.

Under the new rules:

The $100,000 fee applies to new H-1B applicants starting Sunday.

The Secretary of Homeland Security can grant exemptions for certain individuals, companies, or industries.

The order is set to remain in effect for one year, with potential extensions by the President.


Demand for H-1B visas has surged in recent years, reaching a record high in 2022 under President Joe Biden. In 2024, about 400,000 visas were approved, primarily renewals.

Trump emphasized that the gold card program will attract wealthy investors, saying, “I think it’s going to be tremendously successful.”

Previously, Nigeria and several other African nations were affected by a 15% import tariff following a separate executive order signed by Trump.

Deported Nigerians sue US, allege maltreatment during extradition flight to Ghana.

Three Nigerians who were recently deported from the United States and dumped in Ghana have approached a court in Washington DC to challenge their deportation.

The unnamed Nigerians and two fellow deportees from The Gambia also complained to the court about their alleged inhuman treatment during the 16hours flight from the US to Ghana.

They claimed, in the suit filed at the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Friday, that they were shackled and given only bread and water.

The suit was filed on their behalf by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC).

Defendants in the suit are the US Secretary of Homeland Security,Acting Director US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Attorney General and Secretary of State.

The plaintiffs who were identified only with their initials of D.A.,T.L.,I.O.,D.S., and K.S.,alleged that they were woken up in the middle of the night on Sept. 5 at a detention centre in Alexandria, Louisiana and not told where they were going until hours into the flight on a U.S. military cargo plane.

Their lawyers described the deportation as a violation of not only the due process rights of immigrants, but a circumvention of deportation restrictions placed by immigration judges who determined those immigrants could not be returned to their home country.

“Defendants know that they may not, consistent with U.S. immigration law, directly deport non-citizens to countries from which they have been granted fear-based protection,” they added.

Trump Administration Proposes 4-Year Cap on Nigerian, Other Foreign Students’ Stay in U.S.

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule limiting international students, including Nigerians, to a maximum four-year stay in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the rule is aimed at curbing “visa abuse” and preventing students from staying indefinitely by re-enrolling.

Currently, student visas allow holders to remain for the “duration of status.” Under the new plan, stays would be capped at four years — a timeframe critics say is shorter than many postgraduate programs.

Foreign journalists would also face stricter limits, with initial admission reduced to 240 days, extendable once.

While the DHS argues the move would improve oversight, education experts warn it could hurt U.S. universities financially and deter global talent.

#USImmigration #StudentVisa #Nigeria

Nigeria NewsBREAKING: Nigeria Is A Democracy, Not A Private Estate – ADC Fires Gov.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the recent authoritarian actions by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State.

Naija News recalls that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State had ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital.

This was communicated in statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that Bago gave the directive during the expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Government House.

He stated that the Governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to shut down the media outfit.

In a statement to Naija News, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said that this development reveals a disturbing pattern of executive overreach, disdain for constitutional rights, and a steady erosion of democratic norms under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He stated that Governor Umar Bago’s decision to shut down Badeggi FM “with immediate effect” is nothing short of a brazen assault on press freedom and a clear violation of the rule of law in a manner reminiscent of military dictatorship.

The full statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is greatly concerned about the growing dictatorial tendencies among the state governors of the ruling party, APC.

“We recall the recent public statement made by the APC Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, declaring the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and a leading member of the coalition movement persona non-grata in Edo State.

“Now this: Another APC Governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umaru Bago, has just announced a clamp down on a private radio station in the state, with “immediate effect” in a manner reminiscent of the worst form of military dictatorship.

BREAKING: ‘Only NBC Can Suspend Licence’ – FG Reacts As Niger Govt Orders Shutdown Of Radio Station.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has stated that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the power to suspend the licence of any radio station.
Bago Raises Concerns Over Presence Of Heavy Explosives, Guns At Mining Sites In Niger
Naija News recalls that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State had ordered the immediate shutdown of Badeggi FM Radio in Minna, the state capital.

This was communicated in statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, who disclosed that Bago gave the directive during the expanded Niger State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus meeting held at the Government House.

He stated that the Governor directed the State Commissioner of Police and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (RTD) to shut down the media outfit.

According to the statement, Bago directed that the licence of the station be confiscated and the owner be profiled.

But reacting in a statement on Saturday, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the Minister has called on stakeholders in the media industry to remain calm.

While noting that only the NBC can suspend a radio station’s licence, Idris welcomed the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.

The statement read: “Ministry of Information and National Orientation has taken note of concerns raised by various stakeholders in the media industry regarding the recent directive by the Niger State Government to suspend the operations of Badegi FM, a radio station in Minna.

“According to reports, the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, issued the directive during an expanded Niger State APC Caucus Meeting in Minna on August 1, which the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation attended. The Governor reportedly cited allegations of unethical broadcasting and incitement against the government

“While acknowledging the concerns raised, the Ministry notes that the suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as stipulated by law. In light of this, the Ministry welcomes the decision of the Niger State Government to formally report the perceived “unethical behavior” of Badegi FM to the NBC for resolution.

Trump’s govt sends US convicts, other third-country deportees to Southern Africa’s Eswatini.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that a deportation flight carrying immigrants from various countries has landed in Eswatini, Southern Africa — marking one of the first such removals following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift restrictions on third-country deportations.

In late June, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Trump administration, allowing it to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own without offering them the opportunity to present evidence of potential harm.

The ruling bolstered President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.

“A safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini in Southern Africa has landed — This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said late on Tuesday.

McLaughlin, in a thread posted on social media platform X, identified five deportees on the flight originating from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen.

She said the individuals had been convicted of serious crimes including child rape and murder.

Earlier this month, a top Trump administration official indicated in a memo that immigration authorities may carry out third-country deportations with as little as six hours’ notice.

While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) typically gives at least 24 hours’ notice to migrants about their removal to a third country, the July 9 memo from acting ICE director Todd Lyons allows for expedited removals in “exigent circumstances,” provided the migrants are given an opportunity to speak with a lawyer.

The memo also stated that deportations could proceed to countries that have pledged not to torture or persecute migrants, bypassing the need for additional legal procedures.

The development suggests the Trump administration is prepared to ramp up its global deportation operations under the broadened legal framework.

Human rights groups have voiced concern over the potential erosion of due process protections under the new deportation measures, even as the Trump administration defends its policies as necessary for national security.

US court sentences Nigerian socialite to 11 years imprisonment for fraudulently obtaining $1.3m in COVID-19 jobless and disability benefits.

A Nigerian man was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for defrauding California and Nevada out of $1.3 million in COVID-19 pandemic unemployment and disability insurance benefits by submitting more than 100 fraudulent applications using stolen identities and using the money to build a nightclub and mall in Nigeria.

Abiola Femi Quadri, 43, of Pasadena, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

The judge also ordered him to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.

Quadri is a Nigerian citizen who acquired permanent residency in the United States through what he described – according to court documents – as a “fake wedding” in messages to a woman who was not his wife, pleaded guilty on January 2 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Quadri, who lives in the San Gabriel Valley withdrew the fraudulent unemployment and disability benefits at ATMs from 2021 until his arrest in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was scheduled to fly to Nigeria.

Quadri sent at least $500,000 abroad during the scheme. He also paid for the construction of a 120-room resort hotel in Nigeria, the Oyins International, that includes a nightclub, a mall, and additional high-end amenities. Quadri failed to disclose his ownership of the hotel as required when completing his financial disclosure to the court.

Investigators found on Quadri’s phone images of 17 counterfeit checks totaling more than $3.3 million, along with messages about negotiating the checks. Some of the checks were made payable to shell businesses held in the names of Quadri’s aliases.

California paid Quadri to provide daycare services to developmentally disabled children through his Altadena-based business, Rock of Peace. When agents searched Quadri’s residence, they found the children’s misappropriated food-aid debit cards.

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The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division investigated this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.