Washington: More than 310 South Korean workers detained during a U.S. immigration operation last week were released early Thursday. This follows a diplomatic push by Seoul to resolve what has been described as an unprecedented mass detention of its citizens by the United States, a key treaty ally.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a total of 316 South Korean nationals were released from a detention center in Folkston, Georgia. This came a week after their arrest at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, located in Bryan County near Savannah. These workers, along with 14 other foreign nationals, will travel by bus to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. From there, they will board a Korean Air charter flight back to South Korea as part of a "voluntary departure," rather than facing deportation.
The release process involved eight buses, escorted by U.S. immigration vehicles, leaving the detention facilities at 2:18 a.m. local time. The flight is scheduled to depart at noon local time, with an expected arrival at Incheon International Airport in South Korea by 4 p.m. Friday, Seoul time. One South Korean national has opted to remain in the U.S. to pursue legal action, seeking permanent residency due to family ties in the country.
The release was delayed by a day after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to encourage the workers to stay, as his administration looks to strengthen cooperation with Korean companies, aiming to boost America's shipbuilding, chipmaking, and automotive industries. The initial arrest involved 475 individuals at the site, an event described by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as the largest enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations.
ICE stated that those arrested were found to be working illegally, including on visas that prohibit employment, such as B-1 temporary visitor visas or through a visa waiver program. Consular support was provided by a team led by Cho Ki-joong from the Korean Embassy in Washington, with senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, working to ensure the safe return of the workers.
The unexpected raid has raised concerns about the reliability of the U.S. as a partner for business investments, especially following the recent summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump, where they discussed a significant trade deal. The detention has highlighted ongoing visa issues faced by Korean businesses operating in the U.S., prompting discussions for a new visa category.
Foreign Minister Cho proposed the creation of a working group to address these visa challenges in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Assurances have been obtained that the workers will not face reentry restrictions. The incident has drawn criticism of Trump's policies, which seek foreign investments while maintaining strict immigration enforcement.
President Trump has indicated a willingness to explore ways to legally facilitate the entry of skilled foreign workers needed for investment projects in the U.S. This approach aims to balance the country's economic interests with its immigration policies.