On Sunday, South Korea announced that approximately 300 of its citizens detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia would be released and returned home. This announcement follows the arrest of nearly 500 workers, including at least 23 Mexicans, during the raid that took place on a Thursday.
U.S. authorities released footage from the operation, depicting detained workers in handcuffs and ankle chains being transported on buses. The raid is noted to be the largest single-site sweep in the context of former President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration initiatives.
Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, confirmed that negotiations for the release of those detained were successfully concluded, with only administrative procedures remaining. A chartered flight is expected to facilitate the return of South Korean nationals, according to Kang.
In response to the situation, LG executive Kim Ki-soo traveled to Georgia to discuss the matter further. He emphasized the urgency of securing the release of LG Energy Solution employees and those from partner firms. LG Energy Solution reported that 47 of its employees were among those detained, primarily South Koreans.
The incident comes at a time when leaders from both nations had recently met to discuss trade, prompting concerns from South Korean officials. Park Yoon-joo, South Korea’s first vice foreign minister, expressed disappointment that the raid occurred during a crucial period for U.S.-South Korea relations, where fostering trust and cooperation was essential. Park also underscored that business operations of South Korean companies in the U.S. should not face undue interference during law enforcement actions.
Following the raid, discussions about enhancing visa access for South Korean nationals working in the U.S. emerged, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/07/300-south-koreans-detained-at-hyundai-plant-in-us-to-be-released-says-seoul