‘I won’t come back to Nigeria, let Trump kill me’ – Illegal U.S immigrant vows

In light of the executive order issued by the newly inaugurated President of the United States, Donald Trump, which mandates the departure of all undocumented immigrants, Okechukwu Fred (not real name), a Nigerian national residing in Texas, has opted to disregard this directive.

Fred asserts his intention to remain in the country despite his undocumented status.

In 2024, Okechukwu left Imo State, located in the eastern region of Nigeria, and relocated to the United States with all of his savings. To facilitate this journey, he liquidated assets valued at ₦20 million.

However, despite his efforts, Okechukwu was unable to finalize his documentation before Donald Trump’s administration.

In his narrative to ThePapers, he said:

“I was based in Texas before but now I have moved and I am still fine where I am. Maybe I will come back once make two times what I used to come here before deciding but for now, I can’t come back to Nigeria, I would rather wait here for the man to arrest me and kill me here,” said Okechukwu.

“I left Nigeria with lots of money to facilitate my stay in the U.S. and I know how much I spent, my brother I will die here than coming home. I told my family that it was a battle between Trump and me. I will keep moving around to ensure I make good money before surrendering.

“There are lots of people like me here running around, whatever money we make, we send it home. Others can go back to Nigeria, as for me, I am going nowhere until I make enough money.