Hundreds of South Korean workers were detained in the largest single-site immigration raid in U.S. history at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution electric vehicle battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia, triggering a diplomatic crisis and raising questions about trade, immigration, and economic relations between the United States and South Korea.
The Immigration Raid
On Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stormed the Georgia battery plant, arresting 475 workers, including approximately 300 South Korean nationals, most of whom were employed by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution or their contractors. U.S. officials claimed the workers were in the country illegally or working without proper authorization, with many holding short-term business or visitor visas not meant for employment. Video evidence showed agents restraining and loading Asian workers, many in yellow safety vests marked with Hyundai or LG CNS logos, onto buses as helicopters and armored vehicles surrounded the site.
The incident quickly ignited controversy and concern in Seoul. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called an emergency cabinet meeting, ordering “all-out necessary measures” to support detained citizens and asserting the rights and interests of South Korean nationals and investors in the U.S.. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun described being “deeply concerned” and considered traveling to Washington for direct consultations, while South Korea dispatched diplomats to Georgia and initiated negotiations with the U.S. government.
The diplomatic standoff was set against the backdrop of South Korea’s recent pledge to invest $350 billion across several U.S. industries, including $26 billion from Hyundai alone, following a trade deal with President Trump. In recent months, both governments have touted their alliance and deepening economic ties, making the ICE raid particularly sensitive and alarming.
Economic and Trade Impacts
Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution responded by temporarily halting business travel to the U.S. and recommending that employees in America return home. Construction at the battery plant was paused, threatening one of the largest foreign investments in Georgia, a facility expected to generate 1,200 jobs and begin operations by year’s end.
The White House and Trump administration defended the raid, emphasizing the importance of lawful entry and proper work authorizations for project-based workers, while Georgia’s governor heralded the investment but acknowledged ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and economic development priorities.
Resolution Efforts
By Sunday, South Korea announced it had successfully negotiated a deal for the release of the detained workers and would send a charter plane to repatriate them following the completion of administrative processes. Government officials pledged to review and improve visa systems and compliance guidance for business travelers to prevent future incidents.
Comments