At least 545 Zimbabweans are set to be deported from the United States as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigrants.
The Zimbabweans are among 1,445,549 non citizens who were flagged for removal by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in November.
The renewed deportation drive comes as Trump, who recently returned to office, enforces stricter immigration policies under his “America First” agenda.
Across the U.S., authorities are conducting sweeping raids, with over 500 undocumented migrants reportedly being detained daily.
The move has sparked fear among immigrant communities, particularly Zimbabweans, many of whom fled economic turmoil and political instability in search of a better life.
Zimbabwe’s nationals appear alongside 379 South Africans, 174 Zambians, 15 Mozambicans, and 12 BaTswana on ICE’s non-detained docket, meaning they are awaiting final removal orders.
In a statement, ICE defended its actions, urging foreign governments to accept the return of their citizens.
“ICE works to remove undocumented noncitizens from the United States once they are subject to final orders of removal in a timely manner,” the agency said.
The U.S. has also warned of consequences for countries that refuse to cooperate. This comes after Colombia recently denied landing rights to a U.S. plane carrying 201 deportees. The diplomatic standoff prompted Trump to threaten sanctions before the matter was resolved.
“The U.S. Government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States,” ICE added.
It further urged foreign governments to confirm the citizenship of deportees, issue travel documents promptly, and accept scheduled deportation flights. Non-compliant countries, it warned, could be labeled as “uncooperative” and face diplomatic repercussions.
Zimbabweans in the U.S. on Edge
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 80,000 Zimbabweans were living in America as of 2021, many of whom migrated in search of better economic opportunities. Tens of thousands more have settled in Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, escaping Zimbabwe’s persistent economic challenges.
For undocumented Zimbabweans in the U.S., the heightened crackdown has intensified anxiety, with many now fearing imminent deportation. While some may qualify for asylum or other relief programs, ICE’s rapid deportation measures have left little room for legal maneuvering.
The Zimbabwean government has not yet issued an official response, but the situation raises concerns about the country’s capacity to reintegrate returning nationals amid ongoing economic hardships.
With Trump’s administration doubling down on immigration enforcement, the fate of hundreds of Zimbabweans remains uncertain, as deportation flights continue and pressure mounts on foreign governments to comply with U.S. directives
