Over 300 South Koreans Among 475 Detained in Largest US Immigration Raid at Hyundai-LG Battery Plant

In what stands as the largest single-site immigration enforcement action in recent U.S. history, U.S. immigration authorities arrested 475 workers, including more than 300 South Korean nationals, at a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia.

The raid, conducted on Thursday, followed a months-long federal criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and serious violations of immigration laws at the joint venture battery plant. According to Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, the operation involved coordination of over 400 law enforcement officers from federal, state, and local agencies. The agents systematically checked the immigration status of all workers present at the site and detained those found to be “illegally present and working unlawfully” in the United States. Those detained were subsequently transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential removal proceedings.

The Hyundai-LG facility in Georgia, projected to be a major manufacturing hub for electric vehicle batteries, has invested billions in the U.S. to target the growing EV market. The plant was expected to create up to 8,500 jobs. However, the raid has temporarily halted construction activities.

The South Korean government expressed deep concern over the arrests, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stating that over 300 of those detained were likely South Korean citizens. Seoul emphasized the need to protect the rights and interests of its nationals and investors, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong urging Washington not to unjustly infringe on those rights during law enforcement actions. Cho indicated willingness to travel to Washington for consultations if necessary.

During a White House briefing, former U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the detainees as “illegal aliens” and affirmed ICE’s role in enforcing immigration laws. The operation reflects the administration’s intensified efforts to curb unauthorized employment and protect domestic jobs, particularly in states like Georgia.

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Hyundai clarified that none of the arrested individuals were directly employed by the company but rather were primarily subcontractor employees. LG Energy Solution confirmed that 47 of its employees were detained, along with about 250 subcontracted workers, mostly South Koreans. Both firms have suspended business trips to the U.S. and are cooperating with authorities.

The raid drew significant attention for its scale and impact, disrupting one of South Korea’s largest investment projects in the United States, which had seen commitments of over $150 billion in U.S. investments by Seoul in recent months.

Witnesses described a tense scene as federal agents secured the site, including dramatic attempts by some workers to evade capture by fleeing or hiding within the facility. The operation concluded by evening on Thursday, underscoring the U.S. government’s resolve to enforce immigration and labor laws rigorously.

As the situation develops, South Korea remains engaged in dialogue with U.S. officials, seeking assurances and protections for its citizens caught up in the enforcement action while underscoring the importance of maintaining strong bilateral trade and investment relations.