Key Takeaways
- Nearly 475 workers, including about 300 South Koreans, were detained in a U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia.
- South Korea is arranging a chartered flight to bring its nationals home once administrative processing is complete.
- The U.S. government vowed more raids on employers accused of unlawful hiring, while President Trump urged foreign investors to follow immigration laws.
- The incident comes shortly after U.S.-South Korea trade discussions, straining ties despite ongoing investment commitments.
- Both governments face pressure to resolve visa and workforce issues to prevent future disruptions.
Massive Raid at Georgia Battery Plant
South Korea announced it will fly home hundreds of its nationals detained during a massive U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG car battery plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia.
According to Seoul’s presidential office, negotiations for the release of about 300 South Korean workers have concluded, and a chartered plane will transport them once administrative steps are finalized..
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that approximately 475 workers were arrested, marking the largest single-site enforcement action in DHS investigative history. Officials said the operation targeted unlawful employment practices, with many detainees lacking proper immigration authorization.
U.S. Immigration Crackdown Intensifies
White House border adviser Tom Homan stated that similar raids would continue as part of the administration’s broader crackdown on illegal employment. President Donald Trump reinforced this stance, writing on social media: “Please respect our Nation’s Immigration Laws. Your investments are welcome… What we ask in return is that you hire and train American Workers.”
While Trump emphasized enforcement, he also acknowledged the need to address workforce skill gaps. Speaking to reporters, he suggested that while undocumented workers must be removed, the U.S. should “work something out” to allow companies to legally bring in skilled foreign labor while training Americans.
Want to understand U.S. employment laws and workforce compliance? Boost your HR career with SHRM and HRCI certification prep.
South Korea Plans Flight Home for Detained Workers
The incident has caused unease in Seoul, particularly as it came only days after U.S. and South Korean leaders pledged to strengthen economic ties. South Korea’s presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, announced efforts to review visa processes to prevent future disruptions.
The raid also disrupted corporate operations. LG Energy Solution confirmed 47 of its employees were detained, while Hyundai clarified that none of those arrested were directly employed by the company. The $4.3 billion EV battery project, jointly run by Hyundai and LG, is one of Georgia’s largest economic development initiatives.
Despite tensions, both countries remain committed to deepening trade relations. South Korea recently pledged $350 billion in U.S. investments, while Hyundai announced plans to expand its American operations to $26 billion, including robotics and electric vehicle facilities.
Also in the News:
U.S. Investigates Malware Email Linked to China Trade Negotiations