US Immigration Arrests Nigerian Convicted of Rape in Baltimore

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of a Nigerian national, Theophilis Anwana, who was previously convicted of second-degree rape in Baltimore, Maryland.

ICE confirmed that the arrest was carried out by its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers in Baltimore on August 29, 2025.

Anwana, who had received a 20-year prison sentence for the offense, has been under a final order of removal from the United States since September 2021.

In a statement, ICE described him as a dangerous offender and emphasized that his detention underscores the agency’s continued commitment to public safety. Officials said Anwana will remain in ICE custody pending the completion of removal proceedings.

According to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Nigerian national was convicted of the rape charge several years ago, after which immigration authorities began processing his deportation case.

The agency noted that this latest arrest is part of its broader strategy to track, detain, and remove noncitizens with serious criminal convictions, particularly those involving sexual assault and other violent crimes. ICE reiterated that the enforcement action reflects its priority of targeting what it calls “the worst of the worst” offenders.

Anwana’s case has once again drawn attention to U.S. immigration enforcement practices, especially in relation to foreign nationals convicted of crimes. The agency has faced criticism in the past for its sweeping operations, but it insists that cases involving violent offenders remain at the top of its agenda.