By HAN News Desk
WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday accused South Africa of targeting U.S. government employees who had been working with Afrikaners, a white minority group that received refugee status under the administration of former President Donald Trump.
The State Department said passport details of U.S. officials had been leaked, raising serious concerns about their safety. “Failure by the South African government to hold those responsible accountable will result in severe consequences,” the department warned in a statement.
The dispute follows Pretoria’s recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals accused of working illegally for U.S. immigration authorities in South Africa. U.S. officials said the deportations were conducted without proper consultation and raised questions about the protection of personnel involved in migration and refugee programs.
“The United States is deeply concerned by the targeting of our personnel and the lack of transparency in recent actions by the South African authorities,” said a State Department spokesperson. “We urge the South African government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of U.S. employees and prevent further breaches of sensitive information.”
The Afrikaner refugee program, initiated during the Trump administration, allowed certain members of South Africa’s white minority community to resettle in the United States due to claims of persecution. The U.S. government said employees involved in processing and supporting these refugees were inadvertently exposed to risk as a result of the leaked information.
Analysts say the incident reflects broader diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria over immigration enforcement, refugee protection, and cooperation on law enforcement matters. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Observers noted that the unfolding situation could strain U.S.–South Africa relations, particularly at a time when both countries are navigating sensitive issues related to migration, human rights, and bilateral cooperation.
