Fifteen Kenyan nationals are set to be deported from the United States after being identified by US authorities as among the “worst of the worst.”
The group was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), facing charges ranging from violent offences and assault to fraud, drug-related crimes, domestic violence, kidnapping, and racketeering.
The arrests took place across multiple states, including Texas, California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington. All 15 remain in ICE custody pending deportation.
US officials say these deportations are part of the Trump administration’s “Worst of the Worst” programme, targeting non-citizens with serious criminal convictions to protect public safety. DHS reported that Kenyans are among 1,282 individuals on a deportation list of 1.4 million immigrants as of November 2024.
Human rights groups have warned that some deportations may involve individuals who pose minimal risk, citing concerns over record verification.
The Kenyan diaspora in the US is estimated at 157,000, making America the top destination for Kenyans, followed closely by the United Kingdom.
ICE Deputy Director Patrick J. Lechleitner said enforcement is focused on “criminal illegal aliens” whose convictions make them top priorities under US law.
