By By: Staff Writer
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security has confirmed the deportation of 94 Liberian nationals under its “WOW” program, making Liberia the second-highest source of deportees from West Africa in the latest operation.
In a statement, DHS said 355 West Africans were removed under “WOW,” short for West Africa Operations Watch. Nigeria recorded the highest number with 110 deportees, followed by Liberia with 94. Ghana had 30 and Senegal 19. The operation also included nationals from Cameroon, Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Togo, Mali, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau.
DHS did not release specific charges for the individuals deported. The Department said WOW typically targets foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, including fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, and violent offenses.
The 94 Liberians account for more than a quarter of all West Africans deported under the initiative. It is unclear which counties or communities the returnees will be resettled in, or what support services will be provided upon arrival.
Liberian authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the deportations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Liberia Immigration Service have in the past coordinated with US officials on repatriation and reintegration processes for deported citizens.
WOW was launched by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to address transnational crime networks operating across West Africa and in US communities. Operations under the program are conducted periodically and focus on individuals with criminal convictions or pending charges.
The latest figures highlight ongoing immigration enforcement between the US and West African states, with Liberia among the most affected countries in the region.
