Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, Nigerian nationality
U.S. immigration authorities have announced plans to deport Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, a Nigerian man convicted of multiple violent crimes, including armed robbery, drug sales and aggravated assault.
In a statement posted on X’s official account, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said Ijaoba is a Nigerian national who entered the United States illegally and was subsequently involved in organized criminal activity.
The agency said the suspect was a former member of the Bloods, a violent street gang classified by U.S. law enforcement as a major criminal organization.
“Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is an illegal immigrant from Nigeria and a former member of the Bloods, a notoriously violent street gang. He entered the country illegally and has since amassed an extensive rap sheet that includes convictions for:
Aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, assault and aggravated assault, armed robbery, obstruction, drug sales and fleeing from police custody. “He has a final deportation order and is in ICE custody awaiting deportation,” the statement reads.
Ijaoba’s criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, assault and aggravated assault, armed robbery, obstruction of justice, drug sales and escaping from police custody, according to ICE. The agency said he is currently in ICE custody, subject to a final deportation order, and deportation proceedings are underway.
ICE has not disclosed when Ijaoba entered the United States or the jurisdiction in which the crime occurred. He did not give a date for his release, saying only that he would remain in detention until he is deported.
Under U.S. immigration law, noncitizens who are in the United States illegally and are convicted of serious criminal offenses, including aggravated felonies, must be deported after criminal proceedings are completed. ICE said this is the case in Ijaoba’s case.
The Bloods, a gang that originated in Los Angeles, has a long history of involvement in violent crime and illegal drug trafficking in multiple U.S. states. Membership or affiliation with such gangs is often cited by U.S. authorities as a factor in criminal prosecutions and immigration actions.
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up immigration enforcement, prioritizing the deportation of convicted illegal immigrants. Since returning to power, the administration has repeatedly said that public safety considerations will guide immigration actions, particularly in cases involving violent crimes.
Nigeria is one of the countries whose citizens frequently appear in U.S. immigration statistics, reflecting the long-standing immigration relationship between the two countries. U.S. authorities have repeatedly warned foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in recent years about the consequences of illegal entry, visa overstays and criminal activity.
ICE’s statement did not indicate whether Nigerian authorities had been formally notified of Ijaoba’s pending deportation. This is a procedure normally required in bilateral and international deportation proceedings.
There was no immediate response from the Nigerian government or its diplomatic missions in Washington.
U.S. immigration officials said Mr. Ijaoba would remain in custody until arrangements for deportation are completed in accordance with U.S. immigration regulations.
