A 59 year old white South African man who travelled to the United States in search of protection has instead found himself confined for months inside a federal detention centre in rural Georgia, a case that has ignited debate around asylum procedures, privilege, and the unforgiving nature of modern immigration enforcement. Benjamin Schoonwinkel, an Afrikaner who arrived from Johannesburg on a tourist visa, requested asylum upon landing in Atlanta, a decision that immediately placed him on a collision course with the United States immigration system.
Rather than being processed as a refugee through established channels, Schoonwinkel was handcuffed on arrival and swiftly transferred to the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. There, he has remained for more than 100 days, held among thousands of detainees swept up in a renewed immigration crackdown. His case underscores the stark consequences of procedural missteps, regardless of background or intent.
Warnings Ignored As Official Channels Are Bypassed
The circumstances surrounding Schoonwinkel’s detention have drawn pointed commentary from figures involved in the formal refugee process. Sam Busa, founder of Amerikaners, which serves as a designated referral partner for the South African Refugee Admissions Programme, described the outcome as both avoidable and predictable. Her remarks reflect frustration at what she views as a disregard for established procedures that others have followed successfully.
This is why it’s vital to follow the rules. Instead of applying properly for refugee status through the official process, like others have successfully done, a 59 year old Afrikaner flew from Johannesburg to Atlanta on a tourist visa, then asked for asylum right at the airport.
Lessons learned Stick to the process.
Life Inside A Facility Shaped By Immigration Crackdowns
Inside the Stewart Detention Center, Schoonwinkel’s daily existence mirrors that of thousands of non criminal detainees held under policies intensified during the administration of President Donald Trump. Wearing a blue uniform, sleeping on a metal bunk bed, and earning two dollars a day for cleaning duties, he occupies a space defined by austerity and uncertainty rather than sanctuary.
The New York Times reported that the facility houses roughly 2,000 detainees, many of whom were arrested as part of mass deportation drives targeting undocumented migrants. For Schoonwinkel, the contrast between his previous life and his current conditions has been jarring, particularly as he navigates language barriers and cultural differences in a dormitory dominated by Spanish speaking detainees.
Race Class And Perception Behind Barbed Wire
Unlike many of those detained alongside him, Schoonwinkel did not flee from extreme poverty or long journeys through dangerous terrain. The newspaper noted that he left behind what it described as a comparatively comfortable life in South Africa. This distinction has not gone unnoticed within the facility, where he is reportedly one of the few white detainees, a fact that has generated confusion among others held there.
They all ask me What are you doing here
His presence challenges assumptions about who ends up in immigration detention, exposing uncomfortable questions about race, expectation, and the equal application of rigid enforcement policies.
Claims Of Persecution And The Burden Of Proof
In his asylum application, Schoonwinkel cited persecution based on race, political opinion, and membership of a particular social group. He detailed a violent attack on his farm in December 2014, alleging that two black men assaulted him, tied him up, and held him at knife point while looting the property. He described the experience as life threatening and emotionally devastating.
I lost all my hope of walking out alive
He further stated that the incident left deep emotional scars and ultimately forced him to sell his land due to ongoing security fears. These claims now sit within an adjudication process known for its length and complexity, where credibility, evidence, and procedural compliance weigh heavily.
Human Connection Amid Confinement And Uncertainty
Despite the restrictive environment, Schoonwinkel told the newspaper that he has formed bonds with fellow detainees, finding moments of shared humanity in an otherwise bleak setting. He recently described cooking spaghetti alongside detainees from Colombia and Mexico, small acts that offer respite from the monotony and stress of detention.
