A Kenyan national is facing imminent deportation from the United States after being arrested by immigration authorities in Baltimore, more than two decades after overstaying a visitor’s visa.
According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the man was apprehended on March 24 by officers attached to its Baltimore field office following a rape conviction in Baltimore County.
Two Decades in the US Undetected
Authorities said the individual entered the US in 2003 on a visitor’s visa but failed to leave after his authorised stay expired, remaining in the country unlawfully for over 20 years.
ICE confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that the suspect had come onto its radar following the criminal conviction.
Final Removal Order Issued
The agency further disclosed that the Kenyan national already has a final order of removal and will remain in custody pending deportation.
Individuals in such cases are typically deported without the option of bond, significantly accelerating the removal process.
How the Deportation Process Works
Following an arrest by ICE, foreign nationals are usually processed at a local field office before being transferred to a detention facility.
A deportation officer then conducts a detailed review of the individual’s immigration history, family background and criminal record to determine the next course of action.
While some detainees may qualify for bond- often ranging between Ksh400,000 and Ksh6.5 million- those with final removal orders are typically fast-tracked for deportation.
Wider Crackdown on Kenyan Nationals
The arrest comes amid a broader immigration enforcement push by US authorities.
As of late 2024, ICE had identified 1,282 Kenyan nationals as deportation targets, part of a wider pool of more than 14 million non-citizens facing removal.
Among African countries, Kenya ranks behind Somalia, Nigeria and Ghana in the number of citizens flagged for deportation.
Diplomatic Backdrop
The developments come at a time when William Ruto’s administration is strengthening ties with Washington.
Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with President Ruto, underscoring growing cooperation between the two countries.
