Authorities in the United States have increased the number of Kenyans listed among individuals considered high-priority illegal immigrants facing possible detention and deportation.
The latest update shows that the number has risen from 15 to 39, according to information released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The individuals are part of a database created by U.S. immigration authorities to track undocumented immigrants who have been arrested or convicted of serious crimes across the country.
Officials say the list focuses on cases considered dangerous or high risk to public safety.
According to the department, those included in the database are regarded as priority cases for enforcement action.
This means immigration officers may move quickly to detain them and begin deportation procedures where possible.
The tracking system was launched in December last year as part of a broader effort by U.S. immigration agencies to monitor undocumented immigrants who have criminal records.
The database compiles information from law enforcement agencies across all 50 states in the United States.With the latest update, 24 additional Kenyans have been added to the list.
Authorities say the individuals were convicted of different offences in U.S. courts. These offences include drug trafficking, armed robbery, homicide, assault, child molestation and cruelty toward a child.
Other crimes mentioned in the report include aggravated assault involving a weapon, attempts to evade prosecution, simple assault and terror-related threats.
Authorities also cited cases linked to money laundering and cheque forgery.
Some individuals were reportedly charged or convicted of offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol, domestic violence and robbery.
Additional allegations listed in the database include fraud, kidnapping of a minor, violation of court orders and receiving stolen property.
U.S. officials say the purpose of the database is to make it easier for immigration authorities to track and process undocumented immigrants who have criminal convictions.
The system allows immigration officers to quickly identify people who may be subject to detention and deportation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also said that enforcement operations over the years have resulted in the removal of more than one million undocumented immigrants from the United States.
Among those removed were individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, child abuse, gang-related offences and acts linked to terrorism.
In an effort to increase the number of undocumented immigrants leaving the country voluntarily, the U.S. government has also introduced a self-deportation mobile application.
The app is designed to give undocumented immigrants the option to arrange their departure from the United States before facing arrest or forced removal.
Authorities say the application allows individuals to notify immigration officials of their intention to leave and receive guidance on how to complete the process.
To encourage its use, the U.S. government is offering financial incentives of up to 3,000 dollars, which is about Ksh387,000.
The package also includes travel assistance to help those who choose to return to their home countries voluntarily.
Speaking about the immigration enforcement efforts, Donald Trump said the measures form part of what he has described as the largest deportation campaign in the history of the United States.
He said the goal is to strengthen immigration enforcement and address cases involving undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes.
