Atlanta: A Korean Air plane, chartered to repatriate approximately 300 Koreans detained during a recent U.S. immigration operation, arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Wednesday. Despite a delay in their release from a Georgia detention center, the Boeing 747-8i aircraft landed at 10:09 a.m. local time.According to Yonhap News Agency, the release of the Korean detainees has been postponed due to "unspecified U.S. circumstances," as reported by Seoul's foreign ministry. Initially, the plane was scheduled to depart the airport at 2:30 p.m. on the same day.The detained Korean workers were arrested during a raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County. U.S. authorities stated that these individuals were found working illegally in the United States, including those on short-term visas that prohibit employment.Korean Air Co. staff are anticipated to handle ground operations, such as fu eling the aircraft, while keeping a close watch on the unfolding situation regarding the detainees' release.
- September 22, 2026
