Cape Town – South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has denied US claims that American officials were arrested during a raid at a Johannesburg refugee facility.
The operation, targeting suspected immigration violations, led to the arrest of seven Kenyan nationals working illegally at the centre.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, said that the department seeks clarification from South Africa regarding the incident, amid claims that American officials had been detained.
“The Trump administration has consistently raised concerns about the treatment of Afrikaners in South Africa, including allegations of racial targeting, violence and the failure of authorities to adequately protect certain communities,” said Piggot.
U.S. State Dept seeks clarity from SA authorities after media reports emerged of U.S. officials briefly being detained at an Afrikaner refugee processing/admissions facility in Johannesburg. We are trying to confirm exact details of alleged incident.
This from State Dept…
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) December 17, 2025
“We are seeking immediate clarification from the South African government and expect full cooperation and accountability. We’ll have more to say once all the facts are confirmed, but the Trump administration will always stand up for US interests, US personnel, and the rule of law. Interfering in our refugee operations is unacceptable.”
But according to Home Affairs spokesperson Carli van Wyk, no US personnel were detained.
He emphasised the legality of the operation and said diplomatic engagement with the US and Kenya has been initiated.
“The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with other arms of law enforcement, executed a routine, lawful operation in Johannesburg targeted at suspected violations of South African immigration law.
“The operation followed after intelligence reports indicated that a number of Kenyan nationals had recently entered South Africa on tourist visas and had illegally taken up work at a centre processing the applications of so-called ‘refugees’ to the United States,” Van Wyk said.
He added: “The operation reinforces Home Affairs’ commitment to enforcing the rule of law without fear or favour, as no person or entity is above these laws. It also showcases the commitment that South Africa shares with the United States to combating illegal immigration and visa abuse in all its forms.
“The presence of foreign officials apparently coordinating with undocumented workers naturally raises serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to resolve this matter.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
