The South Korean government has finalized an agreement with the United States to secure the release of hundreds of migrant workers who were detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai automobile factory under construction in Georgia.
According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), 475 individuals were arrested in the operation, the majority of them from South Korea. Authorities reported that the workers were in the United States illegally, and many had either crossed the border unlawfully, overstayed visas, or entered through the visa waiver program, which does not allow employment.
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Details of the Operation
The raid targeted a Hyundai-owned battery plant that is still under construction. While Hyundai owns the facility, the company stated that none of the individuals detained were directly employed by them. Instead, the arrested workers were reportedly employed through subcontractors involved in the site’s construction. The incident led to work at the plant being temporarily paused.
Fox News Digital reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and several other law enforcement agencies assisted in carrying out the large-scale operation. Steven Schrank, the chief of HSI Georgia, noted that those detained were found to have violated U.S. immigration rules in different ways, ranging from illegal border entry to expired or restricted visas.
South Korea’s Response
Following the raid, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing “concern and regret” over the situation. President Lee Jae Myung’s office confirmed that the government would be sending a charter plane to bring the affected workers back to South Korea within the coming days.
Hyundai addressed the matter in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company. We prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working at the site and comply with all laws and regulations wherever we operate.”
Immigration Enforcement Context
The raid in Georgia reflects an increased focus on workplace immigration enforcement, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump. Such raids have become a common strategy for federal authorities in addressing illegal employment across industries in the United States.
Conclusion on South Korea and US Immigration Deal
The resolution between South Korea and the United States highlights the diplomatic steps taken to address the fallout from a high-profile immigration raid. With a charter plane scheduled to return the workers to their home country, both governments have sought a path forward while U.S. officials continue to enforce workplace immigration laws.
