South Korea's government says it has concluded talks 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 said a chartered plane would be sent to bring the detainees home if administration procedures were completed.
Kang Hoon-sik said the authorities were trying to improve the visa system to prevent such incidents in the future.
US officials detained 475 people - more than 300 of them South Korean nationals - who they said were found to be illegally working at the battery facility, one of the largest foreign investment projects in the state.
The White House has defended the operation, dismissing concerns that the raid could deter foreign investment.
The President stated that those detained were illegal aliens and opined that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was simply fulfilling its duties.
Visuals shown by ICE officials displayed Asian workers supervised during the arrest, some of whom were identified with yellow vests marked with “Hyundai” and “LG CNS”.
“People on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the US,” ICE emphasized, clarifying that the raid was essential for protecting American jobs.
“This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable,” Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Steven Schrank stated.
As an ally of the US, South Korea has pledged significant financial investments in American manufacturing as a response to ongoing tariffs.
The timing of the raid has raised eyebrows in Seoul, especially as both nations were engaging in sensitive trade talks.
Additionally, LG Energy Solution, a partner in the plant's operation, reported that many of its detained workers were on legitimate business trips. Following the raid, the company has opted to suspend most business trips to the US.
Overall, South Korean media have described the raid as a startling event that may influence future business relations and investment strategies in the United States.
