Following the arrest of seven Kenyans for immigration violations at a US visa center in Johannesburg, the United States has condemned South Africa for allegedly detaining American officials during the operation, viewing it as intimidation.
The US State Department issued a strongly worded statement criticizing South African authorities for the detention of American officials amid Tuesday's immigration raid in Johannesburg, where seven Kenyan nationals were arrested for working illegally despite entering on tourist visas.
The Kenyans were employed at a center processing US refugee visa applications; their prior work visa requests had been denied. They now face deportation and a five-year re-entry ban as part of South Africa's ongoing immigration crackdown.
Washington described the officials' detention as an intimidation tactic against personnel on official duties and alleged the public release of one American's personal information—a claim under verification. 'The United States will not tolerate such behaviour towards government officials or any of its citizens legally operating abroad,' the statement said, warning of 'severe consequences' without accountability.
South African authorities previously confirmed no US officials were detained and initiated diplomatic talks with the US and Kenya. This incident underscores frictions in international immigration cooperation.
