Lobby group AfriForum has strongly criticised South African authorities following a law enforcement raid on a Johannesburg facility processing refugee resettlement applications for South Africans seeking to relocate to the United States.
In a statement posted on social media, AfriForum chief executive Kallie Kriel said he had confirmed with US officials that the operation took place on Reconciliation Day and involved a facility linked to the processing of Afrikaner refugee applications.
According to Kriel, US staff working at the centre were detained during the raid, while applicants present at the facility were allegedly subjected to harassment and intimidation, despite not having violated any laws.
“I have just confirmed with US officials that the South African authorities did indeed raid a US refugee facility in Johannesburg,” Kriel wrote. “The applicants who were present on the premises were subjected to harassment and intimidation, despite not having transgressed any law.”
I have just confirmed with U.S. officials that the South African authorities did indeed raid a U.S. refugee facility in Johannesburg yesterday, detaining U.S. staff who have been processing Afrikaner refugees. The applicants who were present on the premises were subjected to…
— Kallie Kriel (@kalliekriel) December 17, 2025
Allegations of Rights Violations
AfriForum condemned the operation, describing it as a violation of the human rights of those present at the facility. Kriel argued that the conduct of authorities reflected a broader disregard for the rights of Afrikaner applicants seeking refuge abroad.
“This behaviour shows a disregard for the human rights of the applicants present,” he said, adding that such actions were, in his view, consistent with a government that has failed to condemn rhetoric calling for violence against Afrikaners.
The organisation’s comments have added to an already tense national debate around race, refugee claims and South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with the United States.
Government Links Raid to Immigration Enforcement
The Department of Home Affairs has rejected claims that the operation targeted refugee applicants. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said the raid formed part of a broader law enforcement operation in Johannesburg.
According to Home Affairs, the focus of the operation was the arrest of seven Kenyan nationals allegedly found working illegally at the facility while in possession of tourist visas. Authorities said intelligence reports had indicated that the individuals had entered South Africa as tourists but had taken up employment at a centre processing applications for US-bound refugees.
The department stressed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and was aimed at enforcing immigration laws and curbing visa abuse.
US Demands Clarification
The incident has drawn an international response. The United States has formally demanded explanations from the South African government following reports of the raid.
According to international media reports, the US State Department said it was seeking immediate clarification and expected full cooperation and accountability from South African authorities.
State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Washington would comment further once all the facts had been confirmed, but emphasised that the US administration would “always stand up for US interests, US personnel, and the rule of law”.
“Interfering in our refugee operations is unacceptable,” Pigott said.
A Growing Diplomatic Flashpoint
The raid has become the latest flashpoint in a broader and increasingly strained relationship between Pretoria and Washington, particularly over the United States’ Afrikaner refugee programme — a policy South Africa has consistently criticised.
While Home Affairs maintains the operation was strictly an immigration enforcement matter, AfriForum’s claims of harassment and intimidation have intensified public scrutiny and raised questions about how refugee processing activities are being handled on South African soil.
As diplomatic engagements continue, the incident underscores how immigration enforcement, refugee policy and international relations have become deeply intertwined, with actions taken on the ground carrying consequences far beyond national borders.
