South Korea Raises Alarm Over Immigration Crackdown at Hyundai's Georgia Facility

In Ellabell, Georgia, the Hyundai Motor Group's expansive manufacturing site is visible as of March 26.

SEOUL – On Friday, South Korea conveyed its 'concern and disappointment' following a major raid by U.S. immigration authorities at a prominent Georgia complex where Hyundai, the renowned South Korean automaker, produces electric vehicles.

Lee Jaewoong, a spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referred to the number of South Koreans detained as 'substantial,' although he did not disclose a precise figure.

The ministry refrained from confirming local media accounts that roughly 300 South Korean nationals were detained at the Georgia facility on Thursday. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, collaborating with immigration officials, reported via social media that approximately 450 individuals in total were held.

As of now, Hyundai's headquarters in South Korea has not provided any comments on the situation.

This raid was conducted at one of the most significant industrial locations in Georgia, which has been promoted by state leaders as the largest economic initiative ever seen there. Hyundai began producing electric vehicles here a year ago at a cost of $7.6 billion, and the plant supports around 1,200 jobs. They have also teamed with LG Energy Solution to construct a nearby battery manufacturing site set to begin operations next year.

Lindsay Williams, a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stated that federal officers undertook an enforcement sweep at the 3,000-acre site located west of Savannah. Their primary focus was the construction area for the battery facility.

In an announcement broadcasted on television, Lee articulated that the ministry is proactively managing the issue by dispatching embassy and consulate members from Washington and Atlanta to the location, and plans are underway to form a responsive team through the local mission.

‘The business operations of our investors and the rights of our citizens must not be unlawfully disrupted during U.S. law enforcement activities,’ stated Lee.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, a search warrant was executed as it is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal employment practices and other severe federal breaches.

They did not specify if any arrests or detentions occurred.

Under President Donald Trump’s administration, extensive ICE operations were part of a sweeping deportation policy. Immigration agents frequently targeted industries such as agriculture, construction, restaurants, and automobile repair services.

Drawing from preliminary data by the Pew Research Center, it is estimated that the U.S. labor force diminished by over 1.2 million immigrants between January and July, encompassing both undocumented individuals and lawful residents.

In a joint statement, Hyundai and LG's venture, HL-GA Battery Company, mentioned they are fully cooperating with authorities and have temporarily halted the battery site's building efforts to facilitate the investigation.

Bianca Johnson, spokesperson for the Hyundai EV plant, confirmed that the electric vehicle production process remained unaffected.