Massive ICE Raid at Hyundai Georgia Plant Delays Operations, Strains US-South Korea Relations
A large ICE raid at Hyundai's Georgia battery plant detained 475 workers, mostly South Koreans, delaying operations and sparking diplomatic tensions. South Korea expressed regret over worker treatment and urged visa reforms to protect future investments and labor mobility.
In early September 2025, a massive immigration raid took place at the Hyundai Motor Group’s battery manufacturing plant located in Ellabell, Georgia. This operation, conducted by various U.S. federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations, resulted in the detention of approximately 475 individuals. It was reported to be the largest immigration enforcement operation at a single location in U.S. history.
The majority of the detained workers were South Korean nationals, with others from countries including Mexico, Japan, China, and Indonesia also apprehended. Most of these workers were found to be working under short-term visas or in violation of U.S. immigration laws. Some were on the B1 or B12 visa categories, which are intended for business visits not exceeding six months, yet were working long-term in manufacturing roles.
Hyundai, which co-owns the plant with LG Energy Solution in a $4.3 billion joint venture, indicated that none of the detained were direct employees of Hyundai Motor Company. The CEO, José Muñoz, confirmed that the raid would delay the plant’s opening by two to three months. The plant was initially expected to create 8,500 jobs and significantly contribute to the local economy, but this enforcement action created uncertainty around staffing and operations.
Hyundai Georgia Plant
The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between South Korea and the United States. South Korea’s government expressed significant concern and regret over the treatment of its nationals. President Lee Jae Myung described the raid as shocking, likening the treatment of workers to prisoners of war. South Korea’s labor minister, Kim Younghoon, condemned the manner in which the raid was carried out, emphasizing the emotional trauma it caused to the detained workers and their families.
Diplomatic engagement has been ongoing, with South Korean officials urging the U.S. government to implement a special visa program for South Korean workers to prevent similar incidents in the future. The detention of workers has raised serious questions about the ease and security of foreign direct investment in the United States, with South Korean politicians concerned that such enforcement actions may deter future investments.
The detained workers were eventually sent back to South Korea on a chartered flight, though a small number sought permanent residency in the United States. Their return was delayed due to a directive from the White House, reportedly influenced by discussions seeking to potentially allow some workers to remain to train American employees.
The raid also elicited strong reactions domestically in the U.S., including statements from former President Donald Trump, who called for foreign companies investing in the U.S. to respect immigration laws but also emphasized the importance of training local American workers.
In summary, the immigration raid at the Hyundai battery plant in Georgia represents a complicated intersection of immigration enforcement, international investment, labor mobility, and diplomatic relations. While the action underscores strict U.S. immigration controls, it also highlights the challenges faced by multinational corporations operating in a complex legal and economic landscape across borders.