Washington: The planned departure of over 300 South Korean workers detained in Georgia, U.S., has encountered delays due to unspecified circumstances in the United States, as stated by the South Korean foreign ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, these workers were scheduled to board a chartered flight on Wednesday to return to South Korea following their release from a detention facility in Folkston. The workers had been detained for six days after a significant U.S. immigration raid at a construction site for a South Korean electric car battery plant in Bryan County. The foreign ministry communicated that negotiations with U.S. authorities are ongoing to facilitate an expedited departure.
A chartered plane from South Korea departed for Atlanta earlier in anticipation of transporting the detained workers back home. This flight is expected to land in the U.S. city on Wednesday morning. The workers were apprehended during a raid over potential violations related to work visa regulations at a site operated by Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Energy Solution Ltd.
Diplomatic negotiations have been underway between Seoul and Washington to ensure the workers' release and secure their safe return. These discussions include the possibility of technical issues regarding the transport logistics from the detention facility to the airport. South Korean presidential secretary for policy, Kim Yong-beom, mentioned that U.S. law enforcement insists on specific procedures during the release and transit, which may include shackling during transport. Efforts are being made by the South Korean government to avoid such measures.
A total of 475 individuals were arrested during the immigration crackdown, including around 300 South Koreans. Seoul is actively negotiating with U.S. authorities to ensure that the departures are voluntary and do not hinder future entries into the United States.
It remains uncertain whether all detained individuals have consented to board the flight. A Seoul official indicated that individuals with foreign nationalities might also have the option to return on the same flight. South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has traveled to Washington to discuss the situation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and explore improvements to the work visa programs for South Korean businesses. Meetings with officials responsible for immigration policy, including the Department of Homeland Security, are also anticipated.
Karoline Leavitt, a White House spokesperson, stated that both the Department of Homeland Security and the Commerce Department are addressing visa regulations related to skilled foreign workers.