Nearly 500 Moroccan nationals face deportation orders in the US

As of November 2024, nearly 500 Moroccan citizens are among the 1.4 million non-citizens subjected to final deportation orders issued by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This figure highlights the impact of a stringent immigration enforcement campaign initiated by the Trump administration, which has labeled this initiative as “the largest deportation operation in American history.”

According to a report from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), 495 Moroccan nationals currently reside on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders, placing Morocco in the mid-range category of affected countries. The broader context reveals that Mexico leads the list with 252,044 individuals under deportation orders, followed by Honduras (261,651), El Salvador (203,822), and Nicaragua (45,995). The cumulative total of non-citizens facing removal stands at 1,445,549 as of November 24, 2024.

The report elucidates various factors complicating the deportation process, such as applicants seeking asylum, pursuing withholding of removal, or seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture. Moreover, the level of cooperation from countries of origin is crucial in the deportation process. The ICE document asserts, “The U.S. Government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States.”

The willingness of countries to facilitate deportations is evaluated based on their readiness to confirm citizenship, conduct interviews, issue travel documents, and accept deportees via commercial or charter flights. While Morocco is not classified among the 15 countries that ICE deems “uncooperative” or the 11 considered “at risk of non-compliance,” the deportation process remains subject to a myriad of legal and administrative challenges.

The release of this data coincides with President Trump's swift actions to reshape US immigration policy following his inauguration on January 20. His administration has rolled out aggressive measures, including deploying active-duty troops to the southern border and utilizing military aircraft for deportation missions.

Already, recent operations have resulted in approximately 3,500 arrests of unauthorized immigrants across the country, according to ICE statistics. The administration's policies have sparked international tensions, exemplified by a diplomatic standoff with Colombia, which initially resisted accepting deportees on US military flights. This was resolved only after Colombia agreed to unrestricted acceptance of such flights.

The Justice Department’s approach has been equally assertive, with threats directed at state and local officials who resist federal immigration enforcement, particularly targeting “sanctuary city” laws that limit cooperation with federal authorities.

ICE's enforcement capabilities have expanded significantly under the new administration, allowing operations in sensitive locations like schools and churches, and granting broader authority for collateral arrests. The administration has also discontinued the “catch and release” practice, mandating that migrants be held in custody instead of being released while awaiting court dates. Additionally, the CBP One app, used by migrants to schedule asylum interviews, has been deactivated, canceling all future appointments.

Local responses to these sweeping policy changes have varied. Cities like Chicago are reinforcing their sanctuary policies and preparing defense strategies, while others have indicated a willingness to cooperate with federal enforcement. The Chicago Teachers Union, for example, is training staff on how to respond to potential ICE raids in schools.

The shift in policy has created an atmosphere of uncertainty within immigrant communities. As one immigration advocate noted, “What I can anticipate for sure is fear and uncertainty, because that is essentially what they are being made to feel.”