South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has recently caused a big reaction after publicly backing the United States’ immigration enforcement agency, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). McKenzie said he agrees with ICE’s strict immigration approach and echoed parts of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on immigration control. His comments came in interviews ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which South Africa will attend in the United States and Mexico. 

McKenzie told reporters that if people follow the rules and have a proper visa, there should be no problems for South Africans going to the World Cup. He went as far as saying “Viva ICE!” to show his support for the agency’s policies and added that critics who call for a boycott of the tournament are wrong. His remarks have drawn both praise and strong criticism from different groups. 

Not everyone agrees with McKenzie’s position. The South African Presidency has officially distanced itself from his pro‑ICE comments, saying his views reflect his political leadership roles rather than official government policy. This means the government does not fully share McKenzie’s stance. 

Critics of McKenzie are worried that supporting a controversial agency like ICE could harm South Africa’s international image and make people feel unsafe about travelling abroad. Supporters say stronger immigration rules are needed at home too. Either way, McKenzie’s remarks have sparked a national debate about how South Africa should handle immigration and international events.