10 Shocking Facts: South Korean Workers Detained in Georgia ICE Raid to Be Sent Home on Chartered Flight
A major immigration raid in Ellabell, Georgia has shaken the international community. The operation, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), resulted in the detention of 475 workers, with nearly 300 of them being South Korean nationals employed at Hyundai Metaplant, an electric vehicle battery plant jointly operated by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution.
The South Korean government quickly intervened to negotiate the release of its citizens. Officials confirmed that the detained workers will be sent back to South Korea on a chartered flight, marking one of the largest repatriations in recent history. More details on immigration raids can be found on the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
South Korean Government’s Swift Response
South Korea’s Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced that negotiations with the United States were successfully concluded. While some administrative procedures remain, arrangements for a special chartered plane are underway to bring back the detained citizens.
In addition, the Korean Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General in Atlanta played a crucial role in ensuring the workers’ safety. The government has also vowed to improve visa systems and travel status checks for citizens involved in overseas investment projects to prevent similar cases in the future.
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Trump’s Border Czar Confirms More Raids Coming
The raid is seen as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented workers across U.S. worksites. Trump’s former acting ICE Director and current border czar, Tom Homan, told CNN’s “State of the Union” that more large-scale worksite enforcement operations are planned in the near future.
Homan emphasized that stricter workplace enforcement is essential to combat illegal immigration, sending a strong signal to industries that hire undocumented workers.
Hyundai and LG Energy Solution’s Official Statements
Both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution issued statements following the raid. Hyundai stressed its commitment to full compliance with U.S. laws, including employment verification requirements and immigration regulations.
Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution confirmed that its Head of Human Resources traveled to Georgia to assist with negotiations. The company has also suspended most U.S. business trips, urging employees to either return home or remain at their accommodations until the situation stabilizes.
LG Energy Solution further assured families that “prompt release and safe return” of detained workers is their top priority.
Humanitarian Concerns and Business Impact
This immigration raid has raised humanitarian concerns, especially as many workers were in the U.S. for legitimate corporate investment projects. The detentions have also sparked fear among other foreign employees working on similar projects.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung urged “all-out necessary measures” to protect detained citizens and support families awaiting their return.
Experts believe the incident could potentially strain U.S.-South Korea economic relations, particularly in the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing sector, where billions of dollars are invested.
Visa and Immigration System Under Review
Following the raid, South Korean ministries are now working alongside corporations to review the visa issuance process for overseas workers. The goal is to ensure that such large-scale detentions do not occur again during international investment projects.
Immigration experts highlight that companies need to adopt stricter compliance frameworks when sending workers abroad. This includes verifying visa categories, ensuring work authorizations, and coordinating closely with local governments.
International Media and Public Reactions
The raid has been widely covered by global media outlets, including CNN and BBC, sparking debates about workplace raids and immigration enforcement in the U.S. Public reaction in South Korea has been intense, with families expressing relief over the government’s quick action but frustration at the ordeal.
Social platforms have seen heated discussions over the balance between U.S. domestic immigration policy and international diplomatic relations.
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✅ External trusted link added: ICE Official Website.
