According to BBC, US officials initially claimed the workers had been in the country illegally on incorrect visas, but eventually the two sides struck a deal allowing them to leave voluntarily without any penalties, so they could return to work there in the future. Most of the workers were in the US temporarily, helping to build an electric car battery plant run by two South Korean companies, Hyundai and LG – part of a US push to get foreign companies to invest and manufacture more in the states. LG stated that many of its employees who were arrested had various types of visas or were under a visa waiver programme, making the raid especially shocking for them.
Chul-yong, one of the detained engineers, described the scene: “We just came out for a brief break and I could see a lot of people, officials with guns. As Koreans, we just thought they were here to arrest criminals, but then, they suddenly started arresting us.” He recounted the fear and confusion as helicopters and drones hovered above, and officers pointed guns at the workers. “We tried to explain who we were, but they were terrified,” he added, noting the shock caused by the red lasers from the guns.
Even those who managed to share their visa details were not spared from arrest. Mr. Kim, another worker who only wanted to reveal his last name, shared his disbelief: “I thought everything would be cleared up but instead, they suddenly shackled us.” Chul-yong explained that the restraints were so tight, he couldn’t touch his face with his hands. The detainees were taken to detention centers, including the Folkston ICE Processing Center, where conditions were grim.
Youngjin, an engineer and sub-contractor for LG, described the ordeal as traumatic. He was scheduled to be in the US for five weeks to train staff but was arrested on his sixth day. In the detention center, he experienced a panic attack and was left shivering in a freezing room. “The worst part was the water. It smelt like sewage. We drank as little as possible,” he said, adding that detainees resorted to hugging heated packaged bread to stay warm at night.
The raid has strained US-South Korea relations, with South Korea’s chief trade negotiator expressing concerns over potential human rights violations. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has reportedly expressed “deep regrets” over the incident. The raid comes in the wake of a trade deal where South Korean companies pledged to invest $350 billion in the US, highlighting the significance of the diplomatic fallout.
The engineers, including Youngjin and Mr. Kim, maintain that they were operating within their visa allowances. Youngjin, who was in the US on a 90-day visa waiver program, affirmed that his activities were legal. The incident has left him questioning the trustworthiness of the US as a partner. Back in South Korea, the engineers are struggling to cope with the aftermath of their detention. Youngjin described feeling hollow and only realizing the emotional impact of the ordeal after reuniting with his family.
Chul-yong echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the emotional toll the incident has taken. He noted that many workers might not return to the US after the experience, although he feels he has no choice but to continue his work. “This is what I do. I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I’ve put my life into this work,” he said, underscoring the personal and professional upheaval caused by the raid.