The United States Government has released the names and photographs of twenty-six (26) Sierra Leoneans who are facing deportation for various criminal offences, according to an official list published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Sierra Leoneans are among 355 individuals from West Africa identified for removal from the United States. The list includes nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, and several other countries, with Nigeria accounting for the highest number at 110, followed by Liberia with 94.
According to the DHS database, the Sierra Leonean deportees have been arrested across multiple U.S. states, including Minnesota, Ohio, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Arizona, Missouri, California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Georgia.
The alleged crimes listed against the individuals include homicide, burglary, domestic violence, sexual offences, rape, kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, forgery, drug trafficking, identified theft, and assault on police officers.
The full list of the 26 Sierra Leoneans, along with their photographs and specific charges, is available on the official DHS website at www.dhs.gov/wow.
The DHS has stated that the individuals are being deported largely due to immigration violations, including overstaying visas, entering the country unlawfully, or failing to meet residency requirements. Many of these names also face serious criminal convictions.
In a separate but related development, Sierra Leone agreed in May 2026 to a third-country deportation deal with the United States, which allows the U.S. to deport migrants to Sierra Leone even if they are not Sierra Leoneans.
Under the term of the deal, Freetown has agreed to accept up to 300 deportees annually, with the crucial condition that all individuals must originate from Member States of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The United States is providing $1.5 million to support the programme covering “humanitarian and operational costs.”
The first flight arrived at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi on 19th May, carrying nine (9) deportees – five from Ghana, two from Nigeria – far fewer than the twenty-five (25) initially expected.
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