Mass Immigration Raid at Georgia Hyundai Plant Detains Hundreds of South Koreans, Raises Diplomatic Tensions

Hundreds of South Koreans Detained in Georgia Immigration Raid Sparks International Concern ELLABELL, GA – A large-scale immigration raid on September 4 at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, resulted in the detention of approximately 475 individuals, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals. The incident, described as the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation in DHS history, has drawn significant international attention and outrage from the South Korean government. According to reports, officials from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other federal agencies executed the raid at the construction site, where the South Korean companies are jointly building a battery plant adjacent to their electric vehicle manufacturing facility. The South Korean government has officially stated that it is arranging for hundreds of its nationals to voluntarily leave the United States following their detention. This move underscores the diplomatic strain caused by the operation. Charles Kuck, representing the American Immigration Lawyers Association, provided critical context regarding the raid. "One thing I think that's been unclear through all this is why did ICE, and a specific part of the ICE, HSI, go to this plant? They were looking for four Latino workers. That's it," Kuck stated. He further revealed that ICE agents were reportedly unaware of the significant Korean presence at the site and did not even bring a Korean translator. Kuck emphasized that the vast majority of the detained Korean workers were not involved in general construction. "They were working on what's called 'after-sales service and installation' pursuant to valid visas in the United States," he explained. "Every one of these individuals had entered on a visa. They had told Customs and Border Protection why they were here." He elaborated that these workers were installing highly specialized equipment for battery manufacturing, equipment that is produced by only three companies worldwide, none of which are based in the United States. "These individuals were working for those companies and installing the plant so the plant could then employ U.S. workers," Kuck added, highlighting the crucial role these workers played in establishing a facility intended to create American jobs. The White House has issued a warning that more large-scale worksite raids are expected to follow, suggesting a broader enforcement strategy. The incident has sparked debate over immigration policies, international business relations, and the economic impact of such enforcement actions on foreign investment and job creation in the U.S.

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An ICE Immigration Raid at a Hyundai Plant in Georgia Captured 300 South Koreans

Three hundred South Koreans were arrested by ICE officials in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in the state of Georgia. Here's what we know.