The United States has accused South Africa of targeting US government employees, warning of ‘severe consequences.’
The development follows the arrests of seven Kenyan nationals in South Africa who were reportedly working without permits at a US-linked refugee center.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has justified the arrest, describing the individuals as “undocumented workers.”
“The operation reinforces Home Affairs’ commitment to enforcing the rule of law without fear or favour, as no person or entity is above these laws. It also showcases the commitment that South Africa shares with the United States to combat illegal immigration and visa abuse in all its forms,” the department said in a statement.
The seven were arrested after the Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with other arms of law enforcement, executed a routine, lawful operation in Johannesburg, targeted at suspected violations of South African immigration law.
The affected Kenyans are expected to be deported and banned from re-entry for five years.
However, the US believes South Africa is targeting its employees who are working with Afrikaners, the white minority granted refugee status by President Donald Trump.
