US Authorities List 45 Kenyans for Deportation

The number of Kenyan nationals identified for detention and deportation by United States authorities has increased from 15 to 45, according to new figures released by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The increase comes as the administration of President Donald Trump expands immigration enforcement efforts targeting undocumented immigrants considered to pose public safety risks. According to DHS data, the individuals are listed in a database known as Worst of Worst, an online portal launched in December to catalogue undocumented immigrants with criminal records across all 50 states. 

The platform provides public access to mugshots, countries of origin and details of offences committed. A review of the database shows that the Kenyan nationals are linked to a range of offences, including drug trafficking, armed robbery, homicide, child molestation and aggravated assault. Other listed crimes include fraud, money laundering, kidnapping and terror-related threats. 

Additional offences recorded in the database include driving under the influence, domestic violence and violations of court orders. The expansion of the list coincides with increased inspections and arrests across the United States as part of a wider immigration enforcement campaign.

To speed up removals, the US government has introduced a self-deportation mobile application that allows undocumented individuals to return voluntarily to their countries of origin before formal proceedings begin. Authorities are offering financial incentives of up to KSh387,000, as well as travel assistance, to encourage participation.

Officials say the programme is intended to reduce the backlog of deportation cases and streamline the removal process.