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South Korean worker tells BBC of panic during US immigration raid at Hyundai plant

September 7, 2025

A major immigration operation at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution factory in Georgia resulted in the arrest of 475 people, including 300 South Korean nationals, in what became the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation in Homeland Security investigations history. The raid, dubbed "Operation Low Voltage," targeted workers who were allegedly illegally present in the United States through various circumstances including border crossings, visa overstays, or inappropriate work visas. Federal agents swarmed the $7.

Who is affected

  • 475 detained workers, including 300 South Korean nationals
  • Hyundai and LG Energy Solution joint venture
  • Contractors and subcontractors at the electric vehicle battery plant
  • Families of detained workers who couldn't contact them
  • The Korean American Association of Greater Savannah community
  • Local employment in the Ellabell, Georgia area

What action is being taken

  • Federal and state agents are conducting immigration enforcement operations at the factory
  • Construction at the site has been paused as stated by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution
  • Authorities are processing detained individuals based on nationality and visa status
  • Hyundai and LG Energy Solution are cooperating with authorities regarding the activity at their construction site

Why it matters

  • This represents the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation in Homeland Security investigations history
  • The $7.6 billion complex is described as the largest economic development project in Georgia's history according to Governor Brian Kemp
  • The raid could impact future foreign investment decisions in the United States due to visa complications
  • The situation may affect the specialized workforce needed for the factory, as finding local replacements for detained specialists could be challenging
  • The incident could potentially influence US-South Korean relations

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

South Korean worker tells BBC of panic during US immigration raid at Hyundai plant