Over 300 South Korean workers detained during a large immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will be released and returned to South Korea, the government announced Sunday.
Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, said South Korea and the U.S. finalized negotiations for the workers’ release. A charter plane will bring them home once administrative steps are completed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to travel to the U.S. Monday for related talks.
U.S. immigration authorities detained 475 people, mostly South Koreans, during a raid at Hyundai’s Georgia manufacturing site, which is still under construction and partnered with LG Energy Solution to produce electric vehicle batteries. Cho confirmed that over 300 South Koreans were detained.
The raid is part of ongoing workplace enforcement actions linked to the Trump administration’s deportation policies. It drew attention due to the site’s significance as Georgia’s largest economic development project and South Korea’s status as a key U.S. ally. South Korea recently agreed to major U.S. energy purchases and investments.
President Lee emphasized that South Korean nationals’ rights and business activities should not be unfairly affected. The Foreign Ministry expressed “concern and regret” and dispatched diplomats to the site.
Most detainees were taken to a Georgia immigration center; none have been charged. Some had illegal entry, others had expired or inappropriate visas. Kang said South Korea will seek to improve visa systems for business travelers.
Sources
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