South Korea US Reach Deal to Release Workers from Hyundai Raid

The South Korean government has announced that it has reached an agreement with the United States to release its citizens who were detained in a large immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. Officials said a chartered plane would be arranged to bring the South Korean workers home once administrative procedures are completed.

Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff for South Korea’s president, said authorities are also working to improve the visa system to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Raid and Detentions

US authorities detained a total of 475 people at the Hyundai battery plant, one of Georgia’s largest foreign investment projects. More than 300 of the detainees were South Korean nationals. Officials said the workers were found to be working in the US illegally.

Many of the workers were mechanics hired to install production lines at the factory and were employed through contractors. A smaller number of the detained workers had been sent from Hyundai’s Seoul office for training, though this has not been independently confirmed.

Video released by US immigration officials showed some Asian workers shackled in front of the plant. Some wore yellow vests labeled with “Hyundai” or “LG CNS,” which is part of the joint venture operating the plant.

US Officials Defend the Operation

US authorities stated that workers on short-term or recreational visas are not allowed to work in the United States. ICE officials said the raid was necessary to protect American jobs.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent Steven Schrank said, “This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”

Trump administration officials indicated that more immigration raids on work sites could occur in the future. Tom Homan, the administration’s border enforcement official, told a news network that employers hire illegal workers not out of kindness, but because they can pay them less and make them work harder.

Reactions from South Korea

South Korea, a close ally of the United States, has invested tens of billions of dollars in American manufacturing, partly to offset tariffs. The timing of the raid has caused concern in Seoul because sensitive trade talks are ongoing between the two countries.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is expected to visit the US to address the matter and discuss the release of the detained citizens.

Impact on Companies

LG Energy Solution, which operates the plant alongside Hyundai, confirmed that many of its detained employees were on business trips with valid visas or under visa waiver programs. However, the company said it is suspending most business trips to the US and instructing employees currently in the US to return home immediately.

South Korean media described the raid as a major shock, warning that it could have a chilling effect on South Korean business activities in the United States.

Economic Importance of the Plant

The Hyundai-LG joint venture plant produces batteries for new electric vehicles and was considered the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history. The factory employs around 1,200 people. The detention of hundreds of workers has caused significant concern for both companies and the local economy.

President Trump’s Statement

President Donald Trump defended the raid, saying foreign companies investing in the US must follow immigration laws. In a social media post, he encouraged companies to legally bring technical talent to the US but also stressed the importance of hiring and training American workers.

Moving Forward

The South Korean government is actively coordinating with US officials to ensure the safe return of the detained workers. At the same time, US authorities plan to continue work site enforcement operations to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Both governments are also discussing ways to improve visa systems to prevent such incidents in the future.

South Korean workers detained at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia are set to return home after an agreement between the two governments. The raid has sparked concern in South Korea due to its timing during trade talks. US officials say the action was necessary to protect American jobs, while South Korean authorities are planning visa reforms to avoid similar situations in the future. Companies like LG Energy Solution have suspended most US business trips in response, while both governments work to maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties.