Record 2,470 Ghanaians in U.S. ICE Detention Amid Trump’s Deportation Surge
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disclosed that 2,470 Ghanaian nationals are currently detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities awaiting deportation, marking one of the highest figures on record and highlighting the intensifying impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies as of October 12, 2025.
The data reveals 478 arrests of Ghanaians by ICE in 2025 alone, a sharp rise tied to the Global Enforcement Initiative launched in April, which expedites removals worldwide.
From January to August, 312 Ghanaians were deported to Accra, a 17% increase from 2024, with most cases involving criminal convictions, visa overstays, or illegal entry.
Annual deportations averaged 200-250 from 2018-2023, but the current pace could hit 500 by year-end.
The latest flight on August 28, 2025, carried 42 Ghanaians to Kotoka International Airport, part of efforts to clear backlogs.
Under Section 241(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, deportations target home countries or willing acceptors, with Ghana facing reintegration strains.
The surge stems from the Global Enforcement Initiative and a February 2025 executive order prioritizing criminals and security risks, though advocates claim it ensnares longtime residents.
ICE defends the process, but reports of overcrowding and poor conditions persist.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, via Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted 150 detainees in March 2025 (now outdated), with the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) collaborating on dignified returns. Experts warn of humanitarian fallout, with nearly 500 potential deportees straining Ghana’s systems.
