South African Minister Gayton McKenzie Sparks Controversy with Endorsement of US ICE Raids and Trump Policies

In a move that has ignited fierce debate across South Africa and beyond, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has openly endorsed the aggressive tactics of the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), drawing parallels to his own Patriotic Alliance (PA) party’s hardline stance on immigration. McKenzie, who leads the PA known for its “Abahambe – They Should Go” campaign targeting undocumented foreign nationals, including many Nigerians, expressed unapologetic support for ICE’s recent raids, which have been criticized for their intensity and alleged violence.

The controversy erupted following ICE operations last week that swept across the US, resulting in numerous arrests of undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records. Among those detained was an Afrikaner South African in Minneapolis, Minnesota, labeled an “illegal alien” by authorities, highlighting the irony of a white South African facing the same enforcement measures McKenzie advocates for in his home country. This incident has fueled online banter, with South African social media users sharing jokes about the situation, underscoring the unpredictable nature of immigration enforcement regardless of race or origin.

Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za amid concerns from football fans about visa issues and safety for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, McKenzie did not mince words. “I totally agree with ICE. We must do the same here with what they’re doing there. I cannot criticise something that I want in my own country,” he stated. He further added, “If you want to go to the World Cup and you have a visa, what problems do you have? If you go through the proper processes of attaining a visa, you will be fine. I won’t be politically correct — viva ICE! I agree with Donald Trump.”

McKenzie urged South Africans not to boycott the World Cup, warning that such actions could lead to severe repercussions, including a ban from international football. “People who are saying that we must boycott the World Cup are suffering from cow disease,” he quipped, while boldly predicting a victory for Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national team.

Mixed Public Reactions and Government Distancing

The minister’s remarks have elicited a spectrum of responses. Supporters, particularly those aligned with the PA’s anti-immigration rhetoric, have praised McKenzie for advocating similar measures in South Africa to address undocumented migration. Critics, however, argue that his stance betrays the African spirit of Ubuntu, emphasizing humanity and community over division. In Nigeria, where many citizens have faced xenophobic attacks and deportations in South Africa, reactions on platforms like Nairaland have been largely critical, with users viewing McKenzie’s endorsement as hypocritical given the PA’s targeting of Nigerian immigrants. One Nairaland commenter noted, “Others disagreed about his support of US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies,” reflecting a broader sentiment of unease among Africans abroad.

The South African Presidency swiftly distanced itself from McKenzie’s views, stating that they do not align with government policy. This rebuke underscores internal tensions within the Government of National Unity, where the PA holds key positions but often pushes controversial agendas.

McKenzie’s Longstanding Admiration for Trump

This is not the first time McKenzie has voiced admiration for Donald Trump. The minister has previously described Trump as a “president of peace” and defended his interventions in South African affairs, saying, “When a man pays some of your bills, and he feels that he disagrees with certain behaviour of yours, he has a right to ask, intervene, or even instruct.” The PA has also saluted Trump’s military actions, including air strikes in Nigeria in late 2025, framing them as necessary against threats. Such positions have strained relations between South Africa and Nigeria, with ongoing diplomatic spats over immigration and sports rivalries, including McKenzie’s recent accusations against Nigeria for sabotaging South Africa’s World Cup qualifiers.

Broader Implications for Africa-US Relations

McKenzie’s comments come amid heightened US immigration enforcement under Trump, who has prioritized refugee admissions for white Afrikaners from South Africa while slashing overall numbers. Cases like that of Jacob Lodevickus Jasne Van Rensburg, a South African arrested by ICE on charges including assault, highlight the “worst of the worst” targets, as described by US authorities. Meanwhile, South Africa’s own raids on US processing centers for Afrikaner refugees have sparked diplomatic friction, with deportations of foreign workers involved in the scheme.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, McKenzie’s rhetoric raises questions about safety for African travelers, including Nigerians, amid ICE’s aggressive posture. Yet, the minister remains defiant, blending sports optimism with political bravado. For now, the debate rages on, reflecting deeper divides on immigration, race, and international alliances.