Washington, D.C. — U.S. immigration authorities carried out a major raid at a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant under construction in the state of Georgia, arresting hundreds of workers.
Nearly 475 people were taken into custody, more than 300 of whom were South Korean nationals. This action is being described as the largest single-site immigration operation in American history.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed serious concern over the incident and instructed officials to seek an immediate resolution. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also indicated the possibility of traveling to Washington to hold direct talks with U.S. officials, stressing that the rights of South Korean citizens and companies must not be compromised.
U.S. President Donald Trump defended the operation as part of his administration’s strict immigration policy. “ICE was simply doing its job under the law,” he told reporters at a press briefing. According to officials, those arrested included individuals who had entered the country illegally, some who were working on improper visas, and others whose visas had expired.
Political Criticism and Corporate Response
South Korea’s opposition People Power Party (PPP) condemned the mass arrests, calling it the result of failed diplomacy by the government. Party leaders accused President Lee of pursuing policies toward the United States that have left South Korean citizens vulnerable.
Hyundai issued a statement clarifying that none of those detained were direct employees of the company. LG Energy Solution also announced that it was gathering all relevant information and would fully cooperate with U.S. authorities.
South Korea, Asia’s fourth-largest economy, has invested billions of dollars in automobile and electronics plants in the United States to expand access to the American market. However, analysts warn that the latest incident could create fresh uncertainty around such investments.
