Nigerian campaign canvasser arrested by ICE in US

A Nigerian national who worked as a canvasser for a Democratic congressional campaign in Pennsylvania has been arrested by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his guilty plea to a disorderly conduct charge linked to a public exposure incident.

The US Department of Homeland Security disclosed this in a statement issued on October 7, 2026, identifying the man as Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe.

According to the department, “Igbojekwe was arrested in East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania, on September 27 for alleged indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. He pleaded guilty to the disorderly conduct charge.

“ICE subsequently arrested him on October 1, following his conviction,” the statement said.

The DHS said Igbojekwe was working as a canvasser for Janelle Stelson, the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania’s 10th congressional district, at the time of the incident.

Citing local media reports, the department said he was “found with his trousers off and exposing himself in a residential neighbourhood near a park where residents, including children, were present.”

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Reacting to the incident, ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall criticised Stelson for employing the Nigerian national on her campaign.

“It’s unbelievable that Janelle Stelson would employ an illegal alien to work on a Congressional campaign, let alone a pervert who exposed himself in public.

“Every single day, the men and women of DHS are working hard to target and remove dangerous illegal aliens like this sicko from our communities. The Trump Administration will always put the safety of the American people first,” Wall said.

The DHS statement said Igbojekwe was lawfully admitted to the United States in June 2017, but remained in the country after his authorised period of stay expired in November 2019.

It added that he was granted deferred action by the Biden administration in September 2021.

The department did not provide further details about the status of his immigration proceedings in the statement.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.