Raid on Hyundai plant in US swept up workers on visitor visas

September 6, 2025

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 475 people, primarily South Korean nationals, during a raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia for allegedly working illegally in violation of their visitor visa terms. Officials stated the enforcement action was necessary to protect American jobs, emphasizing that those on short-term or recreational visas are not permitted to work in the US. South Korea has responded by sending diplomats to Georgia and calling for its citizens' rights to be respected, while both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution (which operates the plant with Hyundai) noted that none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai.

Who is affected

475 detained individuals, including more than 300 Korean nationals and one Mexican citizen
South Korean citizens working at the Hyundai battery plant in Georgia
Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, which operate the plant
American workers, who ICE claims are being protected by this enforcement
The state of Georgia, where the plant was described as the biggest economic development project in the state's history
At least two individuals who, according to their attorney, were legitimately in the US under a visa waiver program for business meetings

What action is being taken

ICE is holding the arrested workers at a facility in Folkston, Georgia, while deciding where to move them next
South Korea is sending diplomats to Georgia to address the situation
South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun has presided over an emergency meeting about the issue
ICE is conducting what they describe as "an active, ongoing criminal investigation"
LG Energy Solution is cooperating with relevant authorities

Why it matters

The raid highlights potential tensions between encouraging foreign investment in US manufacturing and enforcing immigration laws
It could strain diplomatic relations between the US and South Korea, a key ally
South Korean companies have promised billions of dollars in investments in key US industries
The factory was described as the biggest economic development project in Georgia's history, employing 1,200 people
The raid represents enforcement of visa regulations that prohibit visitors from working in the US
It illustrates the Trump administration's dual priorities of attracting foreign investment while cracking down on illegal immigration

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC