The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has named seven Nepali nationals to a list of “worst of the worst” criminal noncitizens arrested during a nationwide immigration enforcement operation targeting violent offenders.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers carried out the arrests as part of a broader DHS directive prioritizing the deportation of noncitizens convicted of serious crimes.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the DHS website reads. “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations — starting with the worst of the worst — including the illegal aliens you see here.”
Among those highlighted by DHS are seven Nepali nationals arrested across several states for crimes including sexual exploitation, fraud, drug trafficking and violent assault.
The list includes Tekan Kandel, convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor and false imprisonment in Greeley, Colorado; Anil Pantha, convicted of enticing a minor through telecommunications in Dallas; and Sayanam Ghimire, convicted of sexual assault in Elmhurst, New York.
Others include Santosh Darjee, convicted of crimes related to dangerous drugs, identity theft and vehicle theft in Phoenix; Nabin Shah, convicted of fraud, assault and larceny in Fort Worth, Texas; Ratul Singh, convicted of robbery in Dallas; and Rikesh Thapa, convicted of wire fraud in Oakdale, Louisiana.
The Trump administration has accelerated the deportation of Nepali nationals in recent months. Since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the total number of Nepalis deported from the U.S. has surpassed 800. Deportations have surged recently, often via chartered flights carrying large groups.
On April 7, the United States deported 48 Nepali citizens—all men—including two green card holders. They were sent to Tribhuvan International Airport on a chartered flight, according to immigration officials and embassy sources.
Sources at the Department of Immigration said 23 of those removed did not have valid travel documents. One of the green card holders had been arrested in a driving under the influence (DUI) case, while officials did not immediately disclose the reason for deporting the second green card holder.
The total number of Nepalis deported from the U.S. reached 231 in the first two months of 2026, according to the Department of Immigration. Data for March has not yet been released.
In February alone, the U.S. deported 130 Nepalis, including 124 men and six women. Of those, 95 were returned on chartered flights. In January, 101 Nepalis were deported. That month, 80 Nepalis—79 men and one woman—arrived in Kathmandu on a single chartered flight.
In December 2025, more than 95 Nepalis were deported, 75 of whom arrived on a single day. In November 2025, 80 deportations were recorded.
Monthly figures for 2025 show a steady increase, rising from six deportations in January to 53 in September and 38 in October.
Sharad Raj Aran, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, said the deportation process has accelerated. He explained that deportations can proceed even without a physical travel document because authorities use electronic verification.
“Many times, it may appear there is no travel document, but that is not actually the case,” Aran said. “A previously issued document may have expired. In such cases, travel can still be arranged through electronic verification.”
Aran said the embassy verifies identities and coordinates with relevant ministries and immigration authorities before individuals are returned to Nepal.
He added that deportations have increased due to rejected asylum applications, revoked visas, illegal employment and other immigration law violations. He noted that immigration courts are also fast-tracking long-pending cases.
Aran said illegal entry through South America and Mexico has fallen sharply, reducing exposure to human smuggling and financial fraud. He warned that green card holders can face deportation if they violate the law, including in cases involving fake marriages or false statements.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
