Overview
- South Africa says seven Kenyan nationals working at the site on tourist visas were arrested, ordered deported, and barred from re‑entry for five years, with officials later noting they had left the country.
- The State Department condemned the operation as unacceptable and said it is seeking immediate clarification from Pretoria.
- Washington now alleges two U.S. refugee officers were briefly detained and that officials’ passport data was leaked, warning of severe consequences if those responsible are not held accountable.
- South Africa disputes any U.S. detentions, says the premises were not diplomatic facilities, and has opened formal talks with the United States and Kenya.
- The center supports the Trump administration’s program prioritizing resettlement of white Afrikaners, with processing run by RSC Africa/Church World Service after South Africa previously refused work visas for Kenyan staff.