ICE detains South African national in Minnesota described as a criminal “illegal alien”

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A South African national has been caught up in the Minnesota ICE raids, with claims that he assaulted someone with a weapon.

 

On 27 January, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement posted on X that Jacobus Lodevickus Janse van Rensburg has been arrested, labelling him a “criminal illegal alien” from South Africa.

 

ICE posted his mugshot along with several other people, who they say are the “worst of the worst” that have been taken out of Minnesota suburbs to protect American families.

 

The post reads:

 

“When you see videos of anti-ICE agitators swarming our officers and agents in Minneapolis, MN, just know… this is who they’re trying to protect. Below are some of the WORST of the worst we’ve arrested and taken out of MN neighbourhoods to protect American families:”

 

What follows are pictures of people from around the world, including Laos, Liberia, Ecuador, Mexico, China, Thailand, El Salvador, and Somalia, who ICE claims face a range of charges, including sexual assault, drunk driving, domestic violence, and, above all, that they are “illegal aliens”.

 

According to ICE, Jacobus Lodevickus Janse Van Rensburg has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, assault and driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

Further details about Janse van Rensburg, when he was arrested, where he is being detained, and how he came to be in America are unknown at this stage.

 

 

READ: White Afrikaners get priority access to the US amid refugee cap

 

Liesl Smit
Liesl Smit
Liesl is the Smile 90.4FM News Manager. She has been at Smile since 2016, with nearly 20 years experience in the radio industry, including reading news, field reporting and producing. In 2008 she won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award, Western Cape region. liesl@smile904.fm

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