SEOUL, South Korea — The South Korean government has announced that over 300 workers detained following a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will soon be released and returned home. South Korean officials confirmed the outcome of negotiations with U.S. authorities on Sunday, with plans in motion to send a charter plane for their retrieval once final administrative procedures are addressed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to visit the U.S. for discussions related to the workers’ release.
U.S. immigration enforcement conducted the raid, detaining around 475 individuals, mostly South Korean nationals, at Hyundai’s expansive facility known for producing electric vehicles. The operation, described by observers as particularly large-scale, has been regarded as part of a broader trend of intensified workplace immigration raids.
The raid surprised many in South Korea, considering the country's close ties with the United States and recent agreements on significant economic partnerships. Following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung earlier this month, South Korea had committed to substantial investments as part of a reciprocal trade deal.
Concerns over the treatment of South Korean nationals under U.S. law enforcement have been voiced, with President Lee emphasizing that the rights of his countrymen and the interests of South Korean businesses must not be compromised. The incident has prompted the South Korean Foreign Ministry to express regret and concern, sending diplomatic representatives to the specific location of the raid.
Video footage from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicated a regimented approach during the operation, showing detained workers being lined up and frisked, with some shackled. As investigations continue, no criminal charges have been brought against any of the detainees, although reports indicated that some had crossed the border illegally or overstayed their visas. In response to the incident, South Korean officials indicated plans to review and potentially improve the visa systems for business travelers to the U.S.
This situation is emblematic of ongoing debates surrounding U.S. immigration policy, particularly in the context of international relationships and economic cooperation.
U.S. immigration enforcement conducted the raid, detaining around 475 individuals, mostly South Korean nationals, at Hyundai’s expansive facility known for producing electric vehicles. The operation, described by observers as particularly large-scale, has been regarded as part of a broader trend of intensified workplace immigration raids.
The raid surprised many in South Korea, considering the country's close ties with the United States and recent agreements on significant economic partnerships. Following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung earlier this month, South Korea had committed to substantial investments as part of a reciprocal trade deal.
Concerns over the treatment of South Korean nationals under U.S. law enforcement have been voiced, with President Lee emphasizing that the rights of his countrymen and the interests of South Korean businesses must not be compromised. The incident has prompted the South Korean Foreign Ministry to express regret and concern, sending diplomatic representatives to the specific location of the raid.
Video footage from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicated a regimented approach during the operation, showing detained workers being lined up and frisked, with some shackled. As investigations continue, no criminal charges have been brought against any of the detainees, although reports indicated that some had crossed the border illegally or overstayed their visas. In response to the incident, South Korean officials indicated plans to review and potentially improve the visa systems for business travelers to the U.S.
This situation is emblematic of ongoing debates surrounding U.S. immigration policy, particularly in the context of international relationships and economic cooperation.
