- The US Department of Homeland Security published a list of 50 Kenyans facing deportation, with charges ranging from assault to drug-related crimes
- Texas recorded the highest number of Kenyans flagged, followed by Washington, Minnesota and Georgia
- ICE has been accelerating its removal operations, targeting individuals classified as posing the greatest danger to public safety
Fifty Kenyan nationals living in the United States are facing deportation after the Department of Homeland Security published a list naming them as targets of an accelerated immigration enforcement operation.
Source: Facebook
The DHS list was published on its website and was released as part of what the agency described as fulfilment of President Donald Trump's directive to carry out mass deportations, beginning with individuals it characterised as "the worst of the worst."
Why the 50 Kenyans Are Facing Deportation
The 50 Kenyans are drawn from a wider pool of approximately 3,000 foreign nationals facing charges across the country. More than half of the Kenyans on the list are accused of violent offences. Among those named are Osbert Owuor, allegedly linked to a weapons offence and murder involving a firearm in Hawthorne, California, and connected to the Tongan Crip Gang.
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Jackson Gichema is reportedly accused of sexual assault in Maryland, while Gilbert Ndathi allegedly faces charges of cruelty toward elderly persons in Tennessee.
Other individuals on the list face allegations including bank card fraud, money laundering, and other drug-related charges. Collins Keanche of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, allegedly faces charges of cheque forgery and money laundering. Newton Githiri, arrested in Union Springs, Alabama, is reportedly accused of sexual assault.
Additional names published by the DHS include Moffat Muriithi, arrested in Seguin, Texas, over alleged dangerous offences; Francis Mungai of Burlington, Massachusetts, accused of receiving stolen property; and Antony Karia of Seattle, Washington, facing allegations of fraud, false statements and a hit-and-run incident.
Where the Cases Are Concentrated
Geographically, Texas leads in the number of Kenyans flagged, with two individuals identified in Dallas alone. Washington state, Minnesota and Georgia follow as the states with the next highest concentrations of Kenyan nationals on the list.
Other individuals named across different states include Wilkson Gitanyu, arrested in Spokane Valley, Washington, over alleged assault; Mark Gachugu, reportedly arrested in Dallas for robbery; and Joseph Waweru, also held in Dallas over alleged drug charges.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as ICE, has been operating under what it calls "ICE Blitz," a push to accelerate removals of foreign nationals it considers a threat to public safety. The DHS list was framed as a public accountability measure tied to that operation.
US Govt's Travel Advisory
In other news, TUKO also highlighted facts about the US State Department’s decision to raise Kenya’s travel advisory to Level 3, with several areas placed under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning.
The advisory cites threats ranging from kidnapping and terrorism to Ebola-related health concerns. It also warns that some travellers may need medical evacuation at their own expense, while attacks can strike without warning.
Source: TUKO.co.ke