Seoul: South Korea on Friday expressed "concern and regret" following a significant raid by U.S. immigration authorities at a battery plant construction site managed by South Korean companies. The government emphasized that individuals' rights should not be unfairly infringed upon during such operations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the statement from South Korea's foreign ministry came after U.S. immigration authorities detained approximately 450 workers, which included over 30 South Koreans, at the facility run by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution Ltd. in Georgia. The raid was reportedly part of an investigation into undocumented individuals, as reported by local media.
Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong addressed the issue during a press briefing, stating, "The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated." Lee also mentioned that the ministry had communicated its concern and regret through the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
In response to the raid, Seoul dispatched embassy and consular officials from Washington and Atlanta to the site. Additionally, the ministry instructed local diplomatic missions to establish an on-site task force to manage the situation, underscoring the importance of protecting the rights and interests of South Korean nationals involved.