2,470 Ghanaians in U.S. ICE Detention Awaiting Deportation

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a total of 2,470 Ghanaian nationals are currently held in detention across the United States under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), pending deportation. 

This figure reflects one of the highest recorded levels of Ghanaian citizens in U.S. immigration custody. The increase coincides with the implementation of stronger enforcement measures by the current U.S. administration under the Global Enforcement Initiative, a policy introduced in April 2025 intended to accelerate removal actions globally. 

Rising Arrests and Deportations

In 2025 alone, ICE has arrested 478 Ghanaians so far — a steep rise compared to previous years.  Between January and August, 312 deportations of Ghanaian nationals were carried out, up about 17 % compared to the same period in 2024. 

Historically, Ghanaian deportations from the U.S. ranged between 200 and 250 annually from 2018 to 2023. 

One recent repatriation flight arrived in Accra on August 28, 2025, carrying 42 Ghanaian nationals. 

Government Response & Diplomatic Friction

The Ghanaian government has defended the repatriation process, insisting that due diligence and security protocols are in place. In response to criticism, officials have emphasized that national security is not compromised and that screening systems are strictly followed. 

However, tensions have emerged over how some deportations are conducted. For example, legal challenges have arisen regarding individuals sent to Ghana despite court orders that they shouldn’t be returned to their countries of origin due to risk of persecution. 

At least 11 of 14 African immigrants deported by the U.S. to Ghana in September 2025 remain in detention, according to their lawyers, contradicting Ghana’s claims that all had been returned home. 

A lawsuit has accused U.S. authorities of using Ghana as a “middleman” to circumvent legal restrictions on deporting migrants to countries where they face danger, alleging treatment in transit and detention was harsh and possibly illegal. 

Humanitarian & Diplomatic Implications

The high volume of Ghanaian nationals in detention raises concerns about the capacity of Ghana’s reintegration systems and the human rights protections for those being repatriated.

International bodies, including the U.N. Human Rights Office, have called on Ghana to pause accepting deportees from the U.S. until assurances can be made about fair treatment, documentation, and safety. 

Meanwhile, media investigations have documented cases of deported West Africans who were taken from Ghana and dumped across borders — for example, in Togo — without passports or identification. 

What Lies Ahead

The rising rate of arrests and deportations signals that stricter U.S. enforcement policies may continue. Ghana and the United States face diplomatic and legal pressure to ensure deportation practices respect human rights and due process. The capacity of Ghana’s systems to reintegrate returning citizens — especially those who may have lived abroad for years — will be tested.

As more cases surface, legal challenges, media scrutiny, and international advocacy are likely to shape how Ghana and the U.S. manage future deportations.