South Africa raids US's Johannesburg refugee centre

The United States government has sought explanations from South Africa following the arrest of seven Kenyan nationals at a centre in Johannesburg processing US-bound refugee applications.

State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott told CNN that Washington is "seeking immediate clarification from the South African government" and expects "full cooperation and accountability." He added: "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."

The arrests, reported by IOL, came after the South African Department of Home Affairs conducted an intelligence-driven operation targeting individuals illegally working while on tourist visas. The operation identified Kenyan nationals employed at the US-bound refugee processing centre despite previously being denied work authorization.

All seven were arrested, issued deportation orders, and barred from re-entering South Africa for five years. Home Affairs emphasised that the operation was lawful, targeted only the undocumented workers, and did not involve any US officials or members of the public.

The department noted that the presence of foreign nationals allegedly working at the centre raised concerns regarding intent and diplomatic protocol.

The matter has prompted formal diplomatic engagements by South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation with both the United States and Kenya to resolve the issue.

This incident follows the US Presidential Determination of 30 September 2025, which capped refugee admissions for 2026 at 7,500 — the lowest in US history — and prioritised applications from Afrikaners in South Africa, sparking wider scrutiny of refugee processing policies in the region.