Seoul: More than 310 South Koreans who were detained in a U.S. immigration crackdown last week were released early Thursday. The release follows a weeklong diplomatic effort by Seoul to end the unprecedented mass detention of its nationals by its key ally, the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a total of 316 Korean nationals left a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, a week after they were arrested during a raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site. The site, located in Bryan County near Savannah, is operated by a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution.
The Koreans, along with 14 other foreigners, traveled to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where they were to board a chartered Korean Air plane for their return to South Korea. This return is set to take place as a "voluntary departure" rather than deportation. The flight is expected to arrive at Incheon International Airport by Friday afternoon, Seoul time.
While the majority chose to leave, one South Korean national opted to remain in the U.S. to pursue legal action, aiming for permanent residency due to family connections who are green card holders.
The workers' release was delayed by a day as U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged them to stay, citing his administration's interest in greater cooperation with Korean companies to boost various American industries. The raid, conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was described as the "largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations," involving the arrest of 475 individuals, including the Korean nationals.
ICE reported that the detained workers were found working illegally in the U.S., many on short-term or recreational visas that do not permit employment. Most of the Korean workers held B-1 temporary visitor visas or were part of a visa waiver program.
The diplomatic efforts were led by Cho Ki-joong, consul general at the Korean Embassy in Washington, who provided consular assistance. High-level officials, including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, were involved in securing the workers' release and ensuring their safe return to South Korea.
The raid surprised both the workers and their employers, challenging their belief in the U.S. as a reliable partner for investment and business. The incident strained bilateral relations, with video footage of the Koreans in handcuffs causing shock and outrage in South Korea.
Rob Rapson, former acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, remarked that the episode further damaged U.S. credibility as a trusted ally. The raid occurred shortly after a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump, where Korea had agreed to invest $350 billion in the U.S.
Observers noted the situation highlighted ongoing visa issues for Korean businesses seeking stable pathways to bring skilled workers to the U.S. During talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Foreign Minister Cho proposed a working group to consider a new visa category for Korean workers, which Rubio agreed to review.
President Lee expressed a deep sense of responsibility for the safety of South Korean citizens, emphasizing the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in his administration's policies.
The incident exposed contradictions in Trump's policy, which seeks foreign investment while maintaining a stringent immigration stance. In response to criticism, Trump indicated a willingness to explore legal avenues to support foreign companies in recruiting skilled workers to the U.S.