Immigration Raid at Hyundai Plant in Georgia Sparks Diplomatic Tension

U.S. immigration agents carried out the largest-ever enforcement action at a single work site in Georgia. Nearly 475 workers were detained at a Hyundai-linked battery plant near Savannah. Most of those arrested were South Korean citizens. Officials said they were working without proper authorization.

The raid happened on Thursday at the Ellabell site, part of Hyundai Motor Group’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution. Homeland Security Investigations confirmed the action followed months of inquiry. Federal officials said the operation was meant to protect fair business practices.

Details of the Immigration Raid at Hyundai Plant

According to U.S. officials, those detained were either in the country illegally or working outside the terms of their visas. Many were subcontracted workers. Authorities said no Hyundai employees were directly affected. Reuters reported that those held overnight were taken to the Folkston detention center in Georgia.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed its citizens were among those arrested. Embassy staff traveled from Washington and Atlanta to oversee the situation. Hyundai released a statement saying it was monitoring developments closely. LG Energy Solution said it was working with U.S. and Korean authorities to address the matter.

Lawyers and rights groups said some of those detained were lawful visitors under visa waiver programs. Community advocates in Georgia expressed concern about treatment of workers and the lack of legal aid in Savannah. Immigration experts argued the U.S. visa system is failing to support skilled workers brought in by foreign investors.

Image: Independent

Broader Impact on U.S.–Korea Relations and Industry

The raid came just days after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged $150 billion in new U.S. investments. The Hyundai–LG battery plant alone is valued at $7.6 billion, making it Georgia’s largest industrial project. State leaders had promoted it as key to the clean energy economy.

Observers say the raid could complicate business ties. South Korean firms like Samsung, SK, and LG have committed tens of billions to American factories. However, they face high tariffs, strict visa limits, and political shifts in U.S. immigration enforcement. Community leaders in Georgia worry about disruption to economic growth.

The raid has drawn comparisons to earlier mass arrests under past U.S. administrations. Analysts warn such actions could undermine trust at a time when the U.S. is relying on foreign partners for electric vehicle and semiconductor expansion. Advocacy groups called the Georgia raid a political move that risks damaging local communities and workers’ rights.

Immigration raid at Hyundai plant has now become a flashpoint in trade, labor, and diplomacy. It raises questions about the balance between law enforcement and international economic commitments.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did U.S. officials raid the Hyundai battery plant?

Officials said the raid targeted workers without legal status or proper work authorization. They wanted to enforce fair labor standards and business practices.

Q2: How many people were arrested in the raid?

Nearly 475 workers were detained, making it the largest single-site enforcement action in U.S. history, according to Homeland Security.

Q3: Were Hyundai employees among those arrested?

Hyundai said no direct employees were detained. Most of those arrested worked for subcontractors or partner firms linked to the battery project.

Q4: How did South Korea respond to the raid?

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry confirmed its citizens were held. Officials sent embassy staff to Georgia and urged protection of their nationals’ rights.

Q5: What impact could the raid have on U.S.–Korea business ties?

The raid may strain trade relations and slow investments. South Korean companies have invested heavily in U.S. clean energy projects but face visa and tariff hurdles.

Trusted Sources

• The New York Times – Coverage on immigration raid at Hyundai plant in Georgia

• Reuters – Official statements from U.S. Homeland Security and South Korean officials

• Associated Press (AP) – Reports on mass workplace raids and historical context

• BBC News – Analysis of U.S.–Korea trade and diplomatic impact

• CBS News – Updates on worker detention and legal proceedings

• Bloomberg – Economic impact and investment background of Hyundai and LG projects

• Atlanta Journal-Constitution – Local reporting on Georgia’s Hyundai plant and community reaction

• Korea Herald – South Korean government response and statements

• Yonhap News Agency – Reports from Seoul on diplomatic and business concerns