Hundreds of South Koreans Detained in US Hyundai-LG Battery Plant Immigration Raid

South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, is well known as a major car maker and electronics producer. Its biggest companies, including Hyundai and LG, have invested heavily in the United States, building factories to create jobs and serve the American market.

However, tensions arose this week when hundreds of South Korean workers were detained during a major US immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant under construction in Georgia. The incident prompted the South Korean government to urge Washington to respect the rights of its citizens.

On Thursday, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a large-scale operation at the site. A spokesperson for South Korea’s foreign ministry, Lee Jae-woong, told reporters that "multiple Korean nationals were detained" during the raid. A source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that about 300 South Korean workers were held by authorities.

Lee emphasized that South Korea expects "the economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated in the course of US law enforcement."

Seoul has already sent diplomatic staff to the site and created a special task force to address the situation. Officials also expressed concern and regret to the US Embassy in South Korea regarding the incident.

The raid comes amid heightened efforts by the US government to crack down on undocumented migrants. In July, South Korea had pledged $350 billion in US investment to help reduce the risk of tariffs and strengthen economic ties.

The Atlanta office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported that around 450 "unlawful aliens" were detained during the operation at the battery plant, which is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG.

Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, said the raid was "an investigation into unlawful employment practices." He added that many lawful employees, including US citizens and permanent residents, were also present at the site and were released immediately.

South Korean companies have poured billions of dollars into the US to expand their factories, create jobs, and avoid tariffs. Earlier this year, Hyundai announced a multi-billion-dollar investment plan in the US, including a $5.8 billion steel plant. The company expects these projects to create approximately 25,000 new jobs in the next four years.

The Trump administration has hailed such investments as proof that tariffs encourage companies to invest in America. President Trump commented in March that the growing car production in the US shows "tariffs really work" in bringing foreign investment.

Hyundai Motor Group declined to comment on the immigration raid. LG Energy Solution said it is "closely monitoring the situation and gathering all relevant details." The company stressed that the safety and well-being of its employees and partners remain its top priority and confirmed that it will cooperate fully with US authorities.

The incident has highlighted the delicate balance between US immigration enforcement and foreign investment, especially as South Korean companies continue to play a major role in the American industrial landscape.