In brief
An extensive raid by U.S. immigration authorities at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia resulted in the arrest of over 450 individuals amid allegations of unlawful employment practices. South Korean nationals were among those detained, prompting outrage from the South Korean government. The incident raises important questions regarding the impact of U.S. law enforcement on foreign investments and the rights of international workers in the U.S. The economic stakes are high, as South Korean companies are investing significantly in American industries.
US immigration authorities have raided a massive Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia, leading to the arrest of over 450 people, according to one of the agencies involved in the operation.
The 3,000-acre site, built by the Korean automobile manufacturer to make electric vehicles, has been operational for a year, employing 1,200 people.
The Department of Homeland Security informed the BBC's US partner CBS News that agents executed a search warrant due to allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes.
Korean nationals were among those detained, as reiterated by the South Korean foreign ministry, which termed the actions an unjust infringement of their rights.
In a post on X, the Atlanta office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed its involvement with several agencies, including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), to apprehend 450 unlawful aliens at the plant in Bryan County.
While it remains uncertain how many South Koreans were detained, the foreign ministry asserted that the economic activities of Korean investment companies must not be unfairly compromised during U.S. law enforcement operations. It is dispatching diplomats to the site and conveyed its concerns to the U.S. Embassy in Korea.
South Korean firms are projected to invest billions in crucial U.S. industries, partly to mitigate tariffs. The state's governor hailed Hyundai's electric vehicle operation as the largest economic development project in Georgia's history.
In addition, the federal search has reportedly suspended construction on an adjacent battery plant.
President Trump’s campaign for a second term had emphasized mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, prioritizing those with criminal records.
