Federal agents arrested 475 illegal migrants during a sweeping immigration enforcement operation Thursday at the construction site of a Hyundai–LG Energy Solution electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia.
The raid marks the largest single-site enforcement action ever carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), officials confirmed at a press conference Friday.
The site, a $4.3 to $7.6 billion joint venture between Hyundai and LGES, is one of the largest industrial developments in Georgia’s history and is expected to supply batteries for Hyundai’s adjacent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility near Savannah.
Federal Operation Targets Unlawful Employment Practices
Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, clarified that while the facility is being developed by Hyundai and LGES, not all individuals arrested were directly employed by the parent company. Many worked for subcontractors engaged in construction at the site.
“We are sending a clear and unequivocal message that those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy and violate federal laws will be held accountable,” Schrank stated.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the raid was part of a judicially authorized criminal investigation into illegal employment practices and other serious federal violations.
Multiple federal agencies supported the operation, including ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, CBP, IRS, and the Georgia State Patrol, which blocked access roads to the facility during the raid.
Construction Halted, EV Facility Unaffected
Following the raid, construction activity at the 3,000-acre battery site was suspended. However, Hyundai confirmed that the adjacent EV plant—already operational—was unaffected by the enforcement action.
Video from the scene posted on social media showed workers in high-visibility safety vests lined up as an HSI officer addressed them:
“We’re Homeland Security. We have a search warrant for the whole site. We need construction to cease immediately.”
Hyundai responded to the incident in a statement, emphasizing that it does not believe any of its direct employees were among those detained.
“As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,” the statement said.
“We prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working at the site and comply with all laws and regulations wherever we operate.”
