South Korea’s government announced it has completed negotiations with the United States to secure the release of hundreds of its citizens detained during a sweeping immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia.
Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said that once the necessary administrative procedures are finalized, a chartered plane will be dispatched to bring the workers home. He added that Seoul is also reviewing visa policies to prevent similar incidents, stressing the government’s responsibility to safeguard its nationals abroad.
The raid, conducted last Friday by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulted in the detention of 475 workers, including more than 300 South Korean citizens. Officials said those detained were found to be working illegally. Video footage released by ICE showed Asian workers shackled outside the facility, some wearing yellow vests marked “Hyundai” and “LG CNS.”
President Donald Trump defended the crackdown, stating that “they were illegal aliens and ICE was just doing its job.” Homeland Security Investigations also said the operation was necessary to protect American jobs, sending what it called a “clear message” to companies and individuals exploiting the visa system.
The raid has drawn sharp reactions in South Korea, with local media describing it as a “shock” that could have chilling effects on future business operations in the US. The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper warned that the arrests could undermine confidence in Washington as a stable destination for South Korean investment.
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The timing is particularly sensitive. Seoul and Washington are engaged in trade talks, and South Korea has pledged tens of billions of dollars in US manufacturing investment, partly to offset tariffs.
LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s partner at the factory, confirmed that 47 of its employees and around 250 contractors were detained. The company said many were in the US on business trips with short-term visas or under visa waiver programs. It has since suspended most overseas assignments to the US and recalled staff currently there.
The Georgia facility, hailed as the state’s largest economic development project, employs about 1,200 workers and plays a key role in Hyundai and LG’s push into electric vehicle production.
