South Korea's government says it has reached an agreement with the US to release its citizens detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
The chief of staff of South Korea's president stated that a chartered plane would be dispatched to retrieve the detainees once administrative formalities are completed.
Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff, indicated that efforts were underway to enhance the visa system, aiming to prevent such events from occurring in the future.
In total, US officials detained 475 individuals, with over 300 being South Koreans, discovered working illegally at the battery facility—the largest foreign investment project in Georgia.
The White House has defended the operation, dismissing worries that the raid might deter foreign investments. President Trump remarked that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was executing its duty by arresting illegal aliens.
ICE stated that workers on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the US, reiterating that the operation is vital for safeguarding American jobs. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Steven Schrank labelled the operation as a clear warning against exploitation of the immigration system.
As a close US ally, South Korea has committed to significant American manufacturing investments, partially as a response to tariffs. However, the timing of the raid has prompted anxiety in Seoul amid sensitive trade discussions between the two governments.
LG Energy Solution, operating the plant alongside Hyundai, confirmed that several detained employees were on business trips under various visas or visa waivers. Consequently, they have halted most business trips to the US and instructed employees currently stationed in the US to return home immediately.
Reports in South Korean media have described the raid as a shocking event, with concerns raised about its potential chilling effect on business activities in the US. The Georgia plant, which specializes in manufacturing electric vehicles, is considered one of the most significant economic development projects in the state's history, creating 1,200 jobs.
The detained workers are currently held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, with LG Energy Solution confirming that 47 employees and approximately 250 contractor workers from their joint venture factory were taken into custody.
