LONDON (AP) — In light of a recent immigration enforcement operation that detained hundreds of South Korean workers at a Georgia Hyundai plant, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently stated that such actions would not undermine foreign investment in the U.S. Noem, speaking at a meeting in London with officials from the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing alliance, argued that strict immigration policies create a predictable business environment.
The U.S. conducted an immigration raid on September 4 that resulted in 475 detentions, with over 300 individuals from South Korea. This occurrence has drawn intense criticism and feelings of betrayal from the Korean community and government, highlighting the tension between U.S. immigration actions and its international relationships.
We are encouraging companies to come to the United States—ensuring they are aware of our rules and regulations is vital for economic growth, Noem stated during the discussions about border security and international cooperation against illegal immigration. She stressed the importance of companies hiring U.S. citizens and adhering to the law.
Following the raid, most detainees were slated for deportation for failing to comply with removal orders, while a few were accused of other criminal activities and would face further consequences. Noem remarked on the necessity of demonstrating tough measures to assert U.S. determination in addressing immigration issues, arguing it might inspire other nations to adopt similar approaches.
The ministers gathered for these discussions included counterparts from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, all facing their own immigration-related challenges. While there are shared objectives, the varying methods of addressing these issues—such as the U.K.'s recent struggles with small boat crossings—demonstrate the complexities of migration policy across allied nations.
Noem’s commitment to ensuring operational readiness and resource-sharing among the Five Eyes nations marks an escalated focus on joint efforts to combat unauthorized migration and related challenges. Amidst rising political pressures and scrutiny, her assurance of unwavering enforcement policies reflects a broader trend of hardline immigration stances within the Trump administration.
