Mass Arrests of South Korean Workers at Georgia EV Battery Plant Spark Tension with U.S. amid Trade Deals Discussions
The foreign minister of South Korea is contemplating a visit to the United States to engage with the Trump administration, following the arrest of hundreds of South Korean nationals at an electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia.
At an emergency meeting in Seoul, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed profound concern and a strong sense of responsibility regarding the arrests, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. He stated that President Lee Jae Myung has called for immediate action to resolve the matter, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights and interests of South Korean nationals and businesses operating in the U.S.
On Thursday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid at a battery plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia, near Savannah. The facility is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. ICE officials arrested 475 individuals, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals.
ICE released footage of what they claim to be the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations. The video depicts officers handcuffing workers and transporting them onto Georgia prison buses.
“This operation highlights our commitment to safeguarding jobs for Georgians and Americans,” said Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of homeland security investigations for Georgia and Alabama, during a press conference announcing the operation. “We are sending a clear message that those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy, and violate federal laws will be held accountable.”
Schrank clarified that this was not a routine operation where agents indiscriminately rounded up people and transported them on buses, but the outcome of a prolonged investigation. The workers, according to Schrank, were either unlawfully present in the U.S. or working without proper authorization.
The arrests have added strain to relations with a crucial ally, as President Trump has been advocating for trade agreements and increased South Korean investment in the U.S. Hyundai also operates an automobile plant in Montgomery, Alabama, and has announced plans to invest over $5 billion in a steel plant in Louisiana.
When asked about the raid at the White House on Friday, President Trump responded, “I would say that they were illegal aliens, and ICE was just doing its job.”
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) has expressed concerns about both the president’s immigration strategy and how the companies allegedly employed workers without proper documentation.
“Companies should not be able to profit in Georgia by exploiting immigrant workers and putting them at risk of politically motivated raids and violations of due process,” Warnock said in a statement. “It’s harmful for our economy, detrimental to Georgia’s workers, and distressing for law-abiding Georgia families living in fear of this administration.”
Hyundai Motor Co. is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrests, stating that none of those detained were directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company. The company vowed to take action against those who violate the law.
In response to the situation, LG Energy Solution has suspended all business trips to the U.S. and advised workers visiting the U.S. to remain in their accommodations or return to South Korea immediately. The company’s chief human resources officer is traveling to the U.S. to address the issues on site.
“We will make every effort to swiftly resolve this situation, ensuring the safe and prompt return of all employees,” LG Energy Solution said in a statement.
Georgia officials have lauded the Hyundai Metaplant America site as a significant development for the state. Governor Brian Kemp’s office has yet to respond to a request for comment from NPR, but a spokesperson, who chose to remain anonymous, issued a statement to local media stating that the state will enforce the law, including federal immigration law. “All companies operating within the state must comply with Georgia’s laws and those of our nation.”
The crackdown on illegal immigration is receiving support from Republican U.S. Senate candidate and Congressman Buddy Carter, whose district encompasses the plant site in Ellabell, GA.
“I commend the Trump Administration and our courageous law enforcement officers for taking decisive action to prioritize American workers and protect our communities from the scourge of illegal immigration,” Carter said on social media. “For anyone who believes they can take jobs from hardworking Americans and give them to illegal immigrants, take heed: not under President Trump’s watch.”