US immigration authorities conducted the largest single-site enforcement operation in Homeland Security Investigations' history at a 3,000-acre Hyundai electric vehicle factory in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of 475 individuals. The raid was prompted by allegations of "unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes." Most of those detained were Korean nationals, leading to concern from South Korea's foreign ministry about potential "unjust infringement" of their rights. Hyundai Motor Company stated none of the detained were directly employed by them and reported no impact on EV production, though a partner paused construction. The operation highlights tensions between US efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and stricter immigration policies, potentially affecting relations with a key ally.
Hundreds of South Koreans Detained in Massive ICE Raid at Hyundai Plant
Initial Report (1 hour ago): US immigration authorities (ICE) conducted a massive raid at a Hyundai electric vehicle factory in Georgia, leading to the arrest of 475 people.
Location and Context: The raid occurred at a 3,000-acre Hyundai EV plant in Georgia, which had been operational for one year.
Reason for Raid: The Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant based on allegations of "unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes."
Detainee Demographics: Most of those detained were Korean nationals, held at a facility in Folkston, Georgia.
South Korean Response: The South Korean foreign ministry expressed concern over possible "unjust infringement" of their citizens' rights, dispatched diplomats to the site, and urged the US to exercise "extreme caution."
Hyundai's Statement: Hyundai Motor Company stated they were "working to understand the specific circumstances" and confirmed that "none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company."
Operational Impact: Hyundai's electric vehicle production was not affected, but its battery joint venture partner, LG Energy Solutions, paused construction work at the site.
0:44 "Biggest" Homeland Security Operation: Special Agent Steve Schrank of ICE characterized the operation as "the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of homeland security investigations."
Nature of the Operation: Schrank clarified that it was a multi-month criminal investigation, not a typical "immigration operation where agents went into the premises, rounded up folks and put them on buses." Agents encountered individuals illegally in the country or working unlawfully after executing a search warrant.
Political Implications: The raid creates potential tension between US President Trump's priorities of boosting US manufacturing and cracking down on illegal immigration, potentially straining relations with South Korea, a key ally and significant investor in US industries.