Hundreds of South Korean workers were detained in a sweeping US immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant under construction in Georgia, sparking diplomatic concern from Seoul, which urged Washington to protect the rights of its citizens.
The raid, carried out on Thursday, September 4, by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), targeted the joint venture facility between Hyundai and LG. According to South Korea’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lee Jae-woong, “multiple Korean nationals were detained,” with AFP sources estimating around 300 South Koreans among those taken into custody.
Lee stressed that “the economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed during US law enforcement.” In response, Seoul has sent diplomatic staff to the site, set up a task force, and formally expressed its “concern and regret” to the US Embassy in Seoul.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Atlanta office reported that about 450 “unlawful aliens” were detained in the operation. Steven Schrank, Homeland Security Investigations’ special agent in charge for Georgia, described the raid as “an investigation into unlawful employment practices,” noting that while many undocumented workers were arrested, US citizens and lawful permanent residents were released.
South Korea remains a major investor in the US, with Hyundai and LG committing billions to projects such as a \$5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana and new automotive and robotics facilities, expected to generate 25,000 jobs over the next four years.
Hyundai Motor Group declined to comment, while LG Energy Solution said it is “closely monitoring the situation” and prioritising the “safety and well-being of employees and partners.” The company also pledged full cooperation with US authorities.
The incident comes as Washington continues strict enforcement against undocumented migrants. It also follows South Korea’s July pledge of \$350 billion in US investment aimed at strengthening economic ties and alleviating tariff concerns.
