Federal Agents Detain 450 in Major Immigration Raid at Hyundai Georgia Plant

Federal agents have detained hundreds of workers at a Hyundai plant construction site in Georgia. The large-scale operation targeted alleged unlawful employment practices. It happened on Friday, September 5th, 2025.

Authorities confirmed the raid was part of a judicially authorized investigation. The site is a future electric vehicle battery plant.

Multi-Agency Operation Targets Construction Site

Up to 450 individuals were detained as “unlawful aliens.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed the number. Reuters reported the raid involved multiple US law enforcement agencies.

A Department of Homeland Security agent stated the operation investigated unlawful employment. Arrests were actively being made during the enforcement action. Special Agent Steven Schrank briefed local media on the ongoing situation.

Plant Operations and Corporate Response

The construction site is for a joint venture battery facility. It is a project between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution. Operations were scheduled to begin by the end of this year.

A spokesperson for the Hyundai-GA battery company issued a statement. They confirmed full cooperation with the authorities. Construction work was paused to assist the federal investigation.

According to a Korean news report, about 30 South Korean nationals were among those detained. The broader impact on the project’s timeline remains unclear.

The large-scale immigration enforcement action highlights ongoing scrutiny of employment practices. This Hyundai Georgia plant raid represents one of the most significant operations of its kind this year.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What happened at the Hyundai plant in Georgia?

Federal immigration and law enforcement agents conducted a major raid. They detained approximately 450 workers suspected of being unlawful aliens at the construction site.

Q2: Which agencies were involved in the operation?

The operation involved multiple US agencies. This included Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Q3: Why did the raid take place?

Authorities stated it was a judicially authorized enforcement action. It was part of an active investigation into unlawful employment practices at the construction site.

Q4: Was the Hyundai company aware of the issue?

A company spokesperson stated they are fully cooperating with authorities. They paused construction work to assist with the federal investigation.

Q5: What is being built at the raided location?

The site is for a new electric vehicle battery plant. It is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution.

Q6: Were any non-immigration charges filed?

The initial reports focus solely on immigration violations. The investigation into employment practices is still active.