US ICE Apprehends Nigerian Campaign Canvasser in Pennsylvania

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken into custody a Nigerian citizen, identified as Chimaobim Adedayo Igbojekwe, who served as a canvasser for a Democratic congressional campaign in Pennsylvania. His arrest follows a guilty plea to a disorderly conduct charge stemming from an alleged public exposure incident.

Details of the arrest were made public by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a statement released on October 7, 2026. The DHS statement elaborated that Igbojekwe was initially apprehended in East Pennsboro Township, Pennsylvania, on September 27. These initial charges included alleged indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. He later entered a guilty plea for the disorderly conduct accusation. Following his conviction, ICE officials proceeded to arrest him on October 1.

At the time of the incident, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Igbojekwe was actively involved as a canvasser for Janelle Stelson, who is the Democratic nominee vying for Pennsylvania’s 10th congressional district seat. Referencing reports from local media outlets, the department further stated that he was discovered in a residential area, specifically near a park frequented by residents and children, with his trousers removed and exposing himself.

In response to these developments, Charles Wall, the Deputy Director of ICE, openly criticized Janelle Stelson for engaging the Nigerian individual in her campaign efforts. Wall was quoted as saying, “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. • Protests in New York as Trump admin defends ICE shooting • Nigerian researcher wins UK award • Xenophobia: More Nigerians depart S’Africa “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.”

The DHS statement also clarified that Igbojekwe initially entered the United States legally in June 2017. However, he overstayed his authorized period, which concluded in November 2019. Furthermore, the statement indicated that the Biden administration had granted him deferred action status in September 2021. The department's communication did not elaborate on the current stage of his ongoing immigration proceedings.