Anti-immigration protesters march in South Africa, as some immigrants leave the country

Thousands of people marched across South Africa on June 30 in anti-immigration demonstrations that targeted undocumented migrants and drew a heavy response from police and other security forces.

The protests were organized or promoted by groups including Operation Dudula, Progressive Forces and March and March. Protesters blamed undocumented migrants for crime, unemployment and the spread of foreign-owned businesses in local communities.

Authorities moved quickly to contain the risk of wider unrest. Police units were deployed across major areas, and some reporting described a broader security operation with military assets on standby in certain places.

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged people to protest peacefully and rejected arbitrary deadlines for migrants to leave the country. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said criminal acts would be prosecuted.

The June 30 deadline

The marches followed a June 30 deadline set by organizers for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. The ultimatum had no legal force, but it helped drive turnout and tension on the day.

AP described the demonstrations as the country’s largest anti-immigration protests since 2008. Reporting from several outlets placed the marches in cities including Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town.

The protests unfolded against a long-running backdrop of xenophobic tension in South Africa, where unemployment, inequality and migration disputes have repeatedly fueled anger over the presence of foreign nationals.

Civil society and rights groups have warned that blaming migrants does not address the deeper economic and governance problems behind the unrest.

Security response and arrests

Most of the demonstrations were described as largely peaceful, but there were isolated incidents of looting and arrests.

The exact total of arrests was not immediately clear, but officials said they were prepared to act against criminal behavior. Reporting said police were visible in force as authorities tried to prevent the marches from escalating into mob violence.

The government had already been on alert before the protests because of fears that the mobilization could spill into broader unrest, particularly in provinces where migration tensions have been especially sharp.

Migrants under pressure

The demonstrations had immediate consequences for migrants and asylum seekers already living under strain. Some people were reported to be leaving South Africa, while others sought shelter because they feared attack if they stayed.

Reporting identified migrants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Nigeria and other African countries among those affected. One AP report said South African authorities had already repatriated more than 4,200 people and deported another 419 in recent days.

The reactions on the ground showed how quickly anti-immigration politics can become a safety issue for vulnerable residents, especially when local grievances are channeled into vigilante demands.

What happens next

Key questions now include whether arrests and prosecutions will expand, whether the government announces new immigration or security measures, and whether the protests spread or ease after the deadline has passed.

Authorities are also watching for further statements from migrant groups, civil society organizations and neighboring governments that may be dealing with returning or stranded citizens.