Seoul: South Korea on Friday expressed "concern and regret" after over 300 South Koreans were detained in a significant U.S. immigration raid at an electric vehicle battery plant site in Georgia. The foreign ministry emphasized that individuals' rights should not be unfairly violated.
According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. authorities reported the arrest of 475 workers, the majority being South Koreans, at the construction site operated by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution Ltd. in Ellabell, Bryan County. This operation was part of an investigation into undocumented individuals, who now face possible charges of illegal stay.
Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong highlighted that the economic activities of South Korean companies investing in the U.S. and the rights of South Korean nationals should remain protected. The raid was described by U.S. authorities as the "largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security investigations."
Seoul was not informed through diplomatic channels about the raid, a ministry official stated. The official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the government is working to understand the situation and respond appropriately, providing necessary consular support.
South Korea has sent embassy and consular officials to the site in Washington and Atlanta. They have instructed local diplomatic missions to establish an on-site task force. The consulate in Atlanta is forming a legal team, including Korean American lawyers, to visit the detained workers.
LG Energy Solution is assessing the situation and cooperating with South Korean and U.S. authorities to ensure the safety and release of the detained employees. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group's Seoul headquarters reported that none of its employees have been confirmed among the detained.
Concerns arise over potential impacts on Hyundai's other U.S. projects, including a new robot plant and a steel mill in Louisiana. Hyundai also plans to expand production capacity at its Metaplant America in Georgia.