Federal agents conducted a significant operation at a Hyundai manufacturing facility in southeast Georgia on Thursday, leading to the arrest of approximately 450 undocumented immigrants. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Atlanta announced the operation, which involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and ICE. They emphasized that this action was part of a commitment to community safety.
The Hyundai plant in Bryan County, which began producing electric vehicles last year, is a major site with around 1,200 employees. The company has also partnered with LG Energy Solution to build a battery factory on the same site, scheduled to open in 2026. The operation was carried out under a search warrant linked to an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices.
In response to the raid, the South Korean Foreign Ministry expressed concern. They stated that the rights of Korean citizens and businesses should not be compromised during U.S. law enforcement actions. The ministry is sending officials to the site to monitor the situation and ensure proper communication with U.S. authorities.
Following the raid, HL-GA Battery Company, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG, announced a temporary halt in construction at the site. However, a spokesperson for the plant confirmed that regular work hours and production were not disrupted when the operation took place.
This raid is part of a broader trend in U.S. immigration enforcement. Since President Trump took office, ICE has reported over 66,000 arrests of undocumented immigrants, with a significant portion having criminal records. The agency has also seen a high number of deportations, particularly peaking in June.
As the situation develops, both local and international stakeholders are watching closely, particularly regarding the impact on Hyundai’s operations and the rights of those apprehended.
