Hundreds of South Korean nationals detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant site in Georgia will soon be returning home, following an agreement reached between the South Korean government and the United States.
The development comes after U.S. federal authorities arrested nearly 500 undocumented workers at the facility, many of whom were subcontracted laborers and not direct employees of Hyundai.
Hundreds Detained in Georgia Raid
The large-scale immigration operation, carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), led to the arrest of 475 individuals, most of whom were South Korean nationals.
The raid took place at a Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant that is still under construction in Georgia.
According to HSI Georgia chief Steven Schrank, the detained individuals included both illegal border crossers and visa violators—some overstayed their legal entry, while others entered under a visa waiver program that does not permit employment.
Authorities clarified that the workers were not hired directly by Hyundai Motor Company. Instead, they were employed through various subcontractors working on the site. Following the raid, construction activities at the facility were temporarily paused.
South Korea Responds with Diplomatic Action
In response to the mass detentions, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement expressing “concern and regret” over the incident.
President Lee Jae Myung’s office announced that arrangements are underway to repatriate the workers, with a chartered flight scheduled to bring them back to South Korea in the coming days.
The agreement with U.S. officials to secure the release of the workers marks a diplomatic step aimed at resolving the issue without escalating tensions. South Korean officials have not commented publicly on the legal proceedings faced by the workers but have prioritized their safe return.
Hyundai Distances Itself from Hiring Practices
Hyundai Motor Company responded to inquiries by stating that none of the individuals arrested were part of its direct workforce. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the company emphasized its commitment to compliance:
“We prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working at the site and comply with all laws and regulations wherever we operate.”
Despite owning the plant, Hyundai maintains that staffing decisions for the construction project were handled by subcontractors. It remains unclear whether those subcontractors will face any penalties related to the hiring of unauthorized labor.
The Georgia raid is part of a broader trend of immigration enforcement targeting unauthorized workers across various industries.
Large-scale workplace raids, especially at manufacturing and agricultural sites, have become more frequent since President Donald Trump’s administration emphasized stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
