WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday that Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, a Nigerian national and former member of the Bloods street gang, is currently in federal custody awaiting deportation following a series of violent criminal convictions.
Ijaoba, who authorities state entered the United States illegally, amassed an extensive criminal record during his time in the country. His convictions include several high-level felonies that have made him a priority for federal immigration enforcement.
“Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and former member of the Bloods—a notoriously violent street gang,” ICE stated in an official release. “He entered illegally and then racked up an extensive rap sheet.”
According to agency records, Ijaoba’s convictions include:
Aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm
Armed robbery
Drug sales
Escaping police custody
Obstruction and aggravated assault
Federal law enforcement officials emphasized that Ijaoba’s gang affiliation and history of armed violence posed a significant risk to public safety. The Bloods are recognized by the Department of Justice as one of the most violent transnational criminal organizations operating within the United States.
“The removal of violent offenders and known gang members is central to our mission of protecting American communities,” an ICE official said. “Ijaoba’s history of assaulting law enforcement and engaging in armed robbery underscores the necessity of his deportation.”
Ijaoba is currently being held in ICE custody under a final removal order. While a specific date for his return to Nigeria has not been released due to operational security, the agency confirmed that proceedings for his physical removal are underway.
The case highlights the federal government’s ongoing focus on “aggravated felons”—a legal category under the Immigration and Nationality Act that subjects non-citizens to mandatory detention and fast-tracked deportation following the completion of their criminal sentences.
