In South Africa, anti-immigration protesters are conducting door-to-door operations against migrants

Anti-immigration groups conducted door-to-door operations in several neighborhoods of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday to search for undocumented immigrants and hand them over to the police, an initiative that is increasing tensions within foreign communities and with some neighboring countries.

In the Alexandra township, Reuters journalists witnessed protesters breaking down doors and entering homes where they suspected undocumented migrants were present. Those apprehended were then taken to police vehicles.

Among them were a woman and a young child from Malawi. Another man, Zimbabwean Total Mhlanga, claimed to be in the country legally thanks to a Zimbabwean exemption permit (ZEP), which allows certain Zimbabwean nationals to live and work legally in South Africa.

These anti-immigration groups have announced their intention to hold demonstrations every Thursday to increase pressure on the authorities. According to Reuters, tens of thousands of people have already been returned to Zimbabwe and Malawi under repatriation policies.

This campaign comes amid high tensions surrounding immigration in South Africa, where high unemployment and economic hardship are fueling hostile sentiment towards foreign workers.