US–South Africa diplomatic tensions escalate after refugee processing raid in Johannesburg |
A diplomatic dispute between Washington and Pretoria has intensified after South African authorities raided a facility in Johannesburg involved in processing refugee applications bound for the United States, arresting seven Kenyan nationals accused of violating immigration laws. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from the US government, which has demanded explanations and assurances from South Africa, while Pretoria has defended the operation as lawful and consistent with domestic immigration enforcement.
According to reports, the raid was carried out by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, following what officials described as an intelligence-driven investigation. The seven individuals arrested were Kenyan nationals who had entered South Africa on tourist visas but were allegedly found working at a center involved in vetting and processing applications for refugees seeking resettlement in the United States.
The US State Department reacted swiftly. Speaking to CNN, principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington was “seeking immediate clarification from the South African government” and expected “full cooperation and accountability.” Pigott stressed that the Trump administration would “always stand up for US interests, US personnel, and the rule of law,” adding that “interfering in our refugee operations is unacceptable.”
South African officials, however, rejected the characterization that the raid interfered with US operations. In a statement released on December 17, the Department of Home Affairs emphasized that no US officials were arrested during the operation and that the facility in question was not a diplomatic site. The department also stated that no members of the public or prospective refugees were harassed during the........