Senator Shehu Sani has advised Nigerians in their “thousands”, who are “reportedly hiding” in the United States (US) over fear of being deported by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to respect themselves and come back home so as to not get arrested.
The current ICE situation in America sometimes does not spare even the citizens of the North American country, the Senator said.
He further advised, “hiding” from ICE officials should not be an option; he said, those who have deported themselves did so because they have “read and understood” that President Trump is not joking about deporting illegal migrants from the US.
The 47th US President promised during his election campaign to carry out the largest deportation in the history of America, saying, the move will Make America Safe Again.
After the deadly shootings of two (2) US citizens by Federal Agents, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Minneapolis as part of nationwide demonstrations against Immigration Enforcement action.
Senator Shehu Sani posted on X: “The thousands of Nigerians reportedly going into hiding in the US out of fear of deportation by ICE should respect themselves and return home to avoid arrest.
“A situation where sometimes even the US citizens are not spared,hiding is not an option. Those who are self deporting have read and understood the reality. Trump has 3 more years for everyone.”
Protests also took place in cities across the United States (US), including, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and the Capital, Washington DC, with organizers urging Americans to stay away from work and school.
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti resulted to local protests, and forced public outcry around the US, also leading to criticism from lawmakers in both Parties.
The US Department of Justice opened a civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti earlier on Friday.
Pretti, a 37-year old nurse, was the second resident of the city of Minneapolis to be shot and killed by Federal Immigration officials since they arrived in the State.
The first, Renee Good, was killed in January by an agent of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On Thursday, US President, Donald Trump, said: “We will keep our country safe, we’ll do whatever we can to keep our country safe.”
Replies to Senator Sani:
@UncleNickoopy wrote: “It’s deeper than “respect yourself.” Many Nigerians would rather risk arrest or even prison abroad than be deported back home to hardship and broken systems.
“That desperation says more about Nigeria’s reality than about ICE. When home feels unsafe for dreams, hiding starts to feel like survival, not pride. Chew the cud”
@Chinide2 wrote: “Going back home isn’t that simple. Many Nigerians have built lives in the US, and returning would mean giving up their livelihoods, possibly with little savings to fall back on. Plus, the insecurity in Nigeria is a major concern – would they be safe?
“The salary difference is also a huge factor; the US dollar goes a long way, and the pay here is significantly higher. It’s not just about “respecting themselves”; it’s about survival and providing for families, often back in Nigeria.”
Photo: Protesters try to stop a van driven by federal agents on Friday as it exits the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles | Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times
