South African authorities have confirmed the arrest and impending deportation of seven Kenyan nationals accused of illegally working on refugee application processing linked to the United States government. The arrests were carried out during an operation on Tuesday, sparking diplomatic unease between Pretoria, Washington, and Nairobi. According to South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the seven Kenyans entered the country using tourist visas but later took up employment at a refugee processing centre without the required work permits. Officials said their previous applications for work visas had been declined, making their subsequent employment a violation of South African immigration laws.
US Officials Briefly Detained
During the same operation, two officers from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) were briefly detained by South African authorities before being released. South Africa maintained that no U.S. officials were formally arrested, a position reiterated in an official government statement.
USCIS did not immediately respond to media inquiries regarding the incident. However, the U.S. State Department reacted sharply, with a spokesperson describing the raid as “unacceptable” and demanding urgent clarification from the South African government.
Refugee Processing at the Center of the Dispute
The refugee case processing in question is reportedly being handled by RSC Africa, a Kenya-based refugee support organization operated by Church World Service. According to information published on the U.S. Embassy’s website, the organization has been supporting U.S. refugee operations in the region.
South African authorities raised concerns over the presence of foreign nationals allegedly coordinating refugee processing activities without proper authorization. The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized that immigration laws must be respected regardless of the nature of the work being carried out.
Broader Diplomatic Tensions
The incident comes against the backdrop of already strained relations between South Africa and the United States. President Donald Trump’s administration has recently launched a resettlement programme aimed at relocating thousands of white South Africans to the U.S., citing claims that they face racial persecution at home.
The South African government has repeatedly and strongly denied these allegations, dismissing them as false and politically motivated. Pretoria has accused Washington of misrepresenting the country’s social and political realities, a dispute that has further complicated bilateral relations.
During his second term, President Trump has made repeated claims about the treatment of South Africa’s white minority, using them as justification for cutting U.S. aid to the country and excluding South Africa from certain international platforms, including G20-related engagements.
Kenya Seeks Clarity
South Africa confirmed it has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya in an effort to resolve the matter through official channels. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not immediately aware of the arrests. A spokesperson indicated that the ministry would investigate the situation and seek clarification from relevant authorities.
The fate of the seven Kenyans now rests with South African immigration processes, even as diplomatic discussions continue behind the scenes. Observers warn that the incident could further strain regional and international cooperation on refugee management and migration policy. As all three governments work to address the fallout, the episode underscores the growing sensitivity around refugee operations, immigration enforcement, and diplomatic protocol in an increasingly polarized global environment
