U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a significant workplace immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of 475 individuals, predominantly South Korean nationals. The agency stated that these individuals were found to be working unlawfully, as their visitor visas did not permit employment in the U.S. ICE emphasized that the operation aimed to safeguard American jobs.
The arrested workers are currently being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, pending further actions. Hyundai clarified that none of the detained individuals were employed directly by the company, while LG Energy Solution, which operates the plant alongside Hyundai, expressed its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and partners during this investigation.
The ICE raid is part of an ongoing criminal investigation. The agency’s assertion is that those detained were violating the terms of their visas. However, Atlanta immigration lawyer Charles Kuck claimed that two of his clients were mistakenly apprehended, as they were in the U.S. under a visa waiver program permitting short-term business travel.
While the raid has drawn criticism, South Korea’s foreign ministry responded by urging that the rights of its citizens should not be unjustly compromised during U.S. law enforcement activities. President Donald Trump remarked that the actions taken were necessary for legal compliance, noting a commitment to creating a stable workforce while also addressing illegal immigration.
The circumstances surrounding the raid might introduce complexities in U.S.-South Korea relations, particularly given South Korea’s investments in the U.S. aimed at key industries. The factory itself, celebrated by Georgia’s governor as a monumental economic development project, has hired 1,200 employees and is involved in producing electric vehicles.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy50yge052xo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss