Thousands of police officers were deployed across South Africa after large-scale protests against illegal immigration erupted Tuesday, with destructive clashes spreading across multiple cities.The unrest, involving thousands of protesters, broke out ahead of a June 30 deadline set by some organizers demanding the departure of all illegal migrants, according to Reuters.The marches reportedly drew thousands of mostly poor or unemployed South Africans, who say foreign migrants have taken jobs by accepting lower wages while also fueling higher crime rates.At least four people have been killed as violence and looting spread across the country, Reuters reported.STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT CONDEMNS SOUTH AFRICA OVER 'EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS' IN ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTAnti-immigrant marchers walk through the streets of Johannesburg on the day of an unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for all illlegal migrants to leave, in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 30, 2026.(REUTERS/Oupa Nkosi)The clashes mark the largest migration-related protests since anti-migrant violence erupted in South Africa in 2008.While thousands of foreign nationals from other African countries had already fled ahead of Tuesday’s so-called deadline, tensions have remained high, Reuters said.Multiple businesses and properties were vandalized in several areas, according to reports.In anticipation of further attacks, many shops reportedly closed, with foreign workers staying home.Landlords in Durban and Johannesburg also evicted foreign tenants illegally to avoid further trouble, witnesses alleged.Reuters added that 100 Congolese nationals were reported sleeping on the streets of Durban. SOUTH AFRICA'S HIGH VIOLENCE AND LAND DEBATES CLASH WITH WESTERN MEDIA VIEWSProtesters stand with wooden sticks near a fire burning in the street in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 30, 2026.
(Reuters)While many marches were considered peaceful, police reported that they arrested several looters and fired r...