- South African authorities stepped up enforcement of immigration laws, uncovering suspicious activities that have sparked diplomatic concern and international attention.
- A routine operation revealed unexpected violations, prompting swift government action and raising questions about international cooperation and protocols
- The incident sparked new tensions between the nations, highlighting sensitive issues of immigration, legality, and controversial programs with global political implications.
South Africa has arrested seven Kenyans for working illegally at a refugee application center for a complex US resettlement program targeting white Africans.
Source: Facebook
The arrest took place in Johannesburg on Wednesday, December 16.
Why were Kenyans arrested in South Africa?
The arrest followed an intelligence report which showed that the Kenyans entered the country on tourist visas and worked despite having their work visa applications rejected.
“Several Kenyans had started working illegally at a processing center for so-called ‘refugees’ to the United States. This was even though previous visa applications for Kenyans to do this work had been legally rejected,” said the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The department said the operation was part of increased immigration enforcement, with the number of deportations increasing rapidly over the past 18 months.
They stressed the legality of the arrests, clarifying that no US personnel or diplomatic missions were involved.
The incident caused a diplomatic crisis with the United States, and increased tension from 2025, when the President Donald Trump when he claimed that white South Africans were facing ‘genocide.’
Which organization were the Kenyans working in South Africa?
The US State Department condemned the interference in its refugee operations and demanded an explanation.
It is said that the Kenyans were hired by centers run by Amerikaners, a white South African group, and RSC Africa, a refugee aid organization run by the Church World Service, to process applications for the Trump program, which has resettled a small number of white South Africans in the United States this year.
Source: UGC
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation initiated diplomatic talks with the US and Kenya, citing concerns about foreign officials coordinating with undocumented workers and a breach of diplomatic protocol.
“This operation reinforces the commitment of Internal Affairs to enforce the rule of law without fear or favoritism, as no person or entity is above these laws. It also shows the commitment that South Africa shares with the United States in combating illegal immigration and the misuse of visas in all its forms,” the statement explained.
The seven were given deportation orders and will be banned from re-entering South Africa for five years.
How many Kenyans may be deported to the United States?
Elsewhere, 15 Kenyans were among hundreds identified by US authorities as part of the ‘Worst’ group of illegal aliens, following convictions for serious crimes in several states.
The group faced charges including money laundering, assault, robbery, domestic violence, and drunken driving. All were marked for deportation under strict immigration enforcement measures.
The plan reflected efforts led by Secretary Kristi Noem to strengthen immigration enforcement and implement Trump’s executive order prioritizing the removal of people with significant criminal histories.
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