Koreans Detained By ICE During Hyundai Metaplant Raid In Georgia
One of the largest immigration enforcement actions in U.S. history targeted Hyundai’s operations in Georgia, with federal authorities detaining 475 workers in a raid last week.
Key Points
- ICE’s operation in Georgia marked the largest enforcement action in U.S. Department of Homeland Security history, with nearly 300 South Korean nationals detained.
- Seoul will charter a plane to repatriate its citizens and pledged to strengthen oversight of visa use tied to major U.S. investment projects like Hyundai’s EV plant.
- LG confirmed 47 of its contracted staff were detained, and U.S. officials warned that future foreign labor tied to automaker projects must follow legal work visa procedures.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), nearly 300 of those detained were South Korean nationals, many of whom lacked proper work authorization.
The South Korean government has confirmed plans to charter a plane to repatriate its citizens, following negotiations with U.S. officials. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, said the administration would ensure that the rights of its nationals and the interests of Korean companies like Hyundai and LG Energy Solution are protected during the ongoing investigation.
ICE claims that some employees were working on short-term or recreational visas, which do not allow employment, while others had overstayed legal visas or entered the U.S. illegally. Homeland Security Investigations official Steven Schrank stressed that while foreign investment is welcome, workers must enter the U.S. legally.
“We welcome all companies who want to invest in the U.S., and if they need to bring workers in for building or other projects, that’s fine – but they need to do it the legal way,” Schrank said. “This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”
LG Energy Solution confirmed that 47 of its 250 contracted staff at the facility were detained. The company has since recalled employees on U.S. business trips until the situation stabilizes.
The Department of Homeland Security called the raid its single largest enforcement action to date. Most of the detained individuals have been transferred to an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia. According to NPR, none of the detainees had been criminally charged as of late last week.
Hyundai said the raid affected construction of the battery plant but did not affect vehicle production, which happens in a separate, dedicated facility on site.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Hopefully 300 more jobs for American citizens.
Same problem in Canada. massive battery plant in Ontario paid or supported by multi levels of government which was to bring construction jobs to the area, but surprise surprise the companies who took the government handouts also brought their own foreign workers in to build the plant. Canada of course was to polite to put up much of a stink.
Great to see law enforced, finally. This was supposed to bring JOBS TO THE US. But in the end that’s the root cause of why we have both illegal immigration and de industrialization: hunger for cheap labor.