South African Authorities Raid a US Refugee Processing Center and Washington Protests

December 23, 2025

South African immigration officials raided a U.S. refugee processing facility in Johannesburg, arresting seven Kenyan workers who were operating on tourist visas that prohibited employment. The center processes refugee applications from white South Africans, whom the Trump administration claims face persecution under the Black-led government—an assertion South Africa strongly disputes. The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, which have deteriorated significantly since Trump's return to office, with the U.S. cutting aid and excluding South Africa from diplomatic events.

Who is affected

Seven Kenyan workers arrested and given deportation orders with five-year entry bans to South Africa
White South Africans (Afrikaners) applying for U.S. refugee status
RSC Africa (Kenya-based company contracted by the U.S. government)
Church World Service (U.S.-based NGO operating RSC Africa)
U.S. refugee processing operations in South Africa
South African government and Home Affairs Ministry
U.S. State Department and Embassy officials

What action is being taken

South African immigration authorities are deporting the seven Kenyan workers
South Africa's Foreign Ministry is conducting formal diplomatic engagements with the United States and Kenya
The U.S. is seeking immediate clarification from the South African government and demanding full cooperation and accountability

Why it matters

This incident represents a significant escalation in the diplomatic crisis between the U.S. and South Africa, Africa's most advanced economy. The controversy centers on the Trump administration's controversial claim that white Afrikaners face persecution in South Africa, which has been widely rejected but forms the basis for prioritizing them in U.S. refugee admissions. The raid undermines U.S. refugee operations and highlights fundamental disagreements over immigration law compliance, diplomatic protocol, and the definition of persecution, potentially affecting broader U.S.-South African relations on trade, security, and regional cooperation.

What's next

South Africa's Foreign Ministry is working to resolve the matter through formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint