Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – As of November 24, 2024, a total of 1,035 Gambian nationals are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) non-detained docket with final orders of removal, according to data from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). These individuals have been ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge but remain in the U.S. due to various legal and logistical challenges.
In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump enacted controversial immigration policies, including declaring a national emergency at the southern border, reinstating first-term measures, and ending legal entry programs. Some actions, like suspending refugee resettlement, took immediate effect, while others, such as ending birthright citizenship, face legal challenges. Experts say these moves are already impacting immigrants.
ICE has outlined several reasons why removals may not be immediately executed, including pending legal protections such as asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). If a non-citizen is granted any of these protections, ICE is legally unable to proceed with deportation.
Additionally, the U.S. government faces obstacles when foreign governments fail to cooperate in repatriating their citizens, as the U.S. requests foreign governments to confirm citizenship, conduct interviews, issue travel documents, and accept the physical return of nationals, as lack of cooperation may lead to ICE classification.
In this regard, The Gambia has been classified as a country “at risk of non-compliance” with U.S. removal efforts, which means delays may occur in confirming citizenship, issuing travel documents, or accepting repatriation flights to The Gambia.
Beyond The Gambia, Senegal also has a notable number of individuals on the ICE non-detained docket with final orders of removal. According to the same data, 1,689 Senegalese nationals are awaiting removal under similar circumstances. Senegal is also considered “at risk of non-compliance” with U.S. removal efforts.
