Hundreds of South Korean workers detained during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will soon be sent back to South Korea. This follows a significant immigration enforcement operation that took place on September 4, where around 300 workers were apprehended as part of a larger sweep that involved approximately 475 individuals.
The raid occurred at a Hyundai facility in Bryan County, Georgia, and was described as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The operation aimed to address illegal employment practices and protect unauthorized workers from exploitation. U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap stated that the goal was to ensure fair hiring practices and prevent employers from gaining an unfair advantage by employing unauthorized workers.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, announced that negotiations for the workers’ release had been successful. He confirmed that the detained individuals would be returning home shortly, pending only administrative procedures. A chartered flight is expected to bring them back to South Korea once these processes are completed.
In response to the raid, former President Donald Trump emphasized the importance of foreign companies adhering to U.S. immigration laws. He called on businesses operating in the United States to respect these laws and hire American workers. Trump stated, “Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products.”
Hyundai clarified that the detained workers were not directly employed by the company. They reiterated their commitment to complying with all laws and regulations in the markets where they operate, including immigration laws. The company expects the same level of commitment from its partners and contractors.
As the situation develops, it highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the responsibilities of foreign companies operating in the U.S. The swift resolution for the South Korean workers reflects diplomatic efforts and the complexities of labor practices in a globalized economy.
