United States authorities have arrested an unnamed individual identified as a “Ghanaian alien,” according to a statement issued by the US government on Instagram.

The statement showing a picture of the adult male explained that he was apprehended when he appeared before immigration officials seeking what was described as “immigration benefits”.

Authorities said the individual “tried to hide his criminal past” but was unsuccessful.

According to the post, the alleged Ghanaian national had previously been convicted of “credit card fraud”.

In a related update, the verified Instagram page belonging to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) highlighted other recent enforcement actions.

A post from today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, put up before the one about the alleged Ghanaian, showed a Chinese national who had been arrested and prepared for deportation after allegedly disregarding a 1996 court order to depart the United States following the denial of his asylum application.

Five days earlier, USCIS also reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested a Nigerian national at a Houston office for allegedly overstaying his visa and being suspected of marriage fraud.

“In addition, the criminal alien had multiple arrests for criminal mischief, trespass, failure to provide information, and falsely claiming U.S. citizenship,” USCIS stated.

The post further emphasised the agency’s stance on immigration enforcement, noting: “We only have room in the U.S. for law-abiding applicants who will support and improve our great nation.” 

A photo accompanying the post carried the inscription: “If you’re a criminal, you won’t stay. Arrest and removal follow.”