South Korea is launching an all-out effort to assist hundreds of its citizens detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia, USA. The raid, involving 475 arrests, predominantly of South Korean nationals, has triggered urgent government action and diplomatic concern.
The arrests represent the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history and are part of a broad U.S. investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices at the Hyundai-LG battery plant.
South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed deep concern and a strong sense of responsibility during an emergency meeting, announcing a government response team and readiness to engage U.S. officials directly.
South Korea's government response
President Lee Jae-myung ordered maximum efforts to aid detained nationals and safeguard their legal rights. The foreign ministry has set up a special response unit and indicated Foreign Minister Cho Hyun may travel to Washington, signaling the high importance attached to the case.
The government insists that the rights of South Korean workers "must not be unjustly infringed," emphasizing diplomatic protection.
Did you know?
This raid marks the largest single-site enforcement operation in U.S. Department of Homeland Security history.
Details of the raid
Federal agents, including Homeland Security Investigations and ICE, executed a search warrant Thursday at the Hyundai facility in Ellabell near Savannah, Georgia.
The operation targeted alleged immigration violations at the plant where Hyundai and LG Energy Solution jointly develop electric vehicle batteries.
About 47 LG Energy Solution employees, mostly Korean, as well as 250 workers from partner companies, were detained.
Despite the arrests, Hyundai stated that none detained were directly employed by them.
Immigration attorney Charles Kuck reported some workers were in the U.S. on visa waivers permitting limited business and tourism activities, complicating the legal situation.
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Diplomatic and economic implications
The raid threatens to strain the strong U.S.-South Korea alliance, especially following recent pledges by Seoul to invest hundreds of billions in U.S. projects to ease trade tensions and tariffs.
The incident comes just days after a summit between President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, where investment agreements were discussed to bolster economic ties.
Opposition political figures in South Korea have condemned the raid as a serious diplomatic setback, warning of broader repercussions for South Korean businesses and communities across the U.S. Media coverage in South Korea describes the event as a betrayal and a harsh blow to national interests.
Looking forward
With ongoing investigations and no criminal charges yet filed, the situation remains tense. Both governments appear committed to managing the fallout carefully, balancing immigration enforcement with economic and diplomatic priorities.
South Korea's swift and firm response reflects deep concerns about protecting its nationals and sustaining vital U.S. investments.
The Hyundai facility raid underscores the complexities in enforcing immigration laws amid large-scale foreign investment and globalized workforce movements.
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