Shocking U.S. Immigration Raid Detains 475 Workers at Hyundai-LG Plant in Georgia, Alarming South Korea

A major immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG Energy Solution plant in Georgia has triggered strong diplomatic concerns in South Korea. The operation, carried out by U.S. federal authorities, resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals. Officials in Seoul have labeled the incident a serious matter, warning that it could strain ties between the two countries at a time of growing economic cooperation.

Largest Immigration Raid in DHS History

According to U.S. immigration officials, the raid at the Ellabell, Georgia construction site was part of a criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment. The site is a joint project where Hyundai and LG Energy Solution are building a battery plant alongside Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing facility. Authorities described the raid as the largest single-site enforcement action ever conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

A large number of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were deployed to execute a judicial search warrant. Officials stated that the operation targeted contractors and workers suspected of violating immigration and employment regulations.

South Korea’s Strong Reaction

The arrests immediately prompted a response from the South Korean government. President Lee Jae-myung instructed officials to make “all-out efforts” to protect South Korean citizens caught up in the incident. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun called an emergency meeting and announced the formation of a special task force to coordinate legal and diplomatic support.

Cho also emphasized that the rights of South Koreans abroad should not be unjustly violated. He indicated that Seoul is prepared to send senior officials to Washington if necessary to negotiate directly with the U.S. government.

Hyundai and LG Clarify Employment Status

LG Energy Solution confirmed that 47 of its employees were among those detained, 46 of them South Korean nationals. In addition, around 250 workers from partner companies were also taken into custody. The company expressed concern over the situation, temporarily suspended employee business travel to the U.S., and advised staff already there to remain cautious.

Hyundai, however, clarified that none of the individuals detained were directly employed by the automaker. Most of those arrested were contractors or employees of equipment partner firms working at the construction site.

Legal Concerns Raised

Charles Kuck, an Atlanta-based immigration attorney representing some of the detained individuals, stated that several were in the U.S. legally under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows business and tourism visits of up to 90 days. He argued that his clients were engineers who came for official meetings related to the plant’s construction and were not violating their visa conditions.

As of now, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the raid, but investigations are ongoing.

Diplomatic and Economic Implications

The incident comes at a delicate moment in U.S.–South Korea relations. Only days earlier, South Korean companies pledged $150 billion in U.S. investments, with another $350 billion committed in July to strengthen economic ties and address concerns over tariffs.

Political leaders in Seoul have described the raid as a potential “diplomatic disaster.” Opposition figures warned that repeated mass detentions of Korean workers could escalate into a national-level crisis, affecting business confidence and bilateral relations. The South Korean daily Chosun Ilbo described the arrests as a harsh blow, highlighting the irony of major investments being followed by such a crackdown.

Looking Ahead

While the U.S. government maintains its commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws, South Korea is pushing for the fair treatment of its citizens and employees of its corporations. Analysts warn that unless resolved quickly, the raid could impact not only business operations but also the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.

With Hyundai and LG heavily investing in U.S. manufacturing, the handling of this case will be closely watched. Both companies are pressing for a resolution that allows work to continue at the Georgia plant without further disruption.

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