South Korea Finalizes Agreement for Release of Nationals Detained in US Raid on Hyundai Plant

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:57:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

South Korea has successfully concluded negotiations with the USA to secure the release of its citizens apprehended during an immigration crackdown at a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Georgia.

South Korean nationals detained in a significant immigration operation at a Hyundai plant in Georgia are set to be released after negotiations between the South Korean government and the US. Over 300 South Koreans were among the approximately 475 individuals apprehended by US authorities for allegedly working illegally at the battery facility, raising concerns about the implications for foreign investment amid ongoing trade discussions.

South Korea's government has announced the successful conclusion of negotiations with the United States concerning the release of nationals detained during a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai plant located in Georgia. According to the chief of staff of South Korea's president, a chartered plane is expected to be dispatched for the detained individuals once administration procedures have been finalized.

Kang Hoon-sik stated that the South Korean authorities are also striving to enhance the visa system to prevent such situations from occurring in the future. The immigration operation resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, with over 300 of those being South Korean citizens, alleged to have been working illegally at the facility known for being one of the largest foreign investment projects in Georgia.

In defense of the operation, the White House has downplayed the incident, asserting that the individuals detained were involved in illegal employment. 'They were illegal aliens, and ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] was simply doing its job,' commented President Donald Trump. Video evidence released by ICE depicted detained workers in shackles, some identified as employees of Hyundai and LG CNS.

ICE clarified that individuals on short-term or recreational visas are not permitted to work in the US, emphasizing the significance of this operation as a measure to safeguard American jobs. 'This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable,' stated Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Steven Schrank.

As a close ally of the US, South Korea has committed to substantial investment in American manufacturing to offset tariffs. However, the timing of the raid has prompted concerns in Seoul, given its occurrence during sensitive trade negotiations. Trump has encouraged substantial investments from various countries while simultaneously tightening visa allocations for foreign enterprises.

LG Energy Solution, which collaborates with Hyundai at the plant, indicated that a significant number of arrested LG employees were on business trips with various visas or part of a visa waiver program. In response to the situation, LG Energy Solution announced the suspension of most business trips to the US and has advised employees currently on assignment in the US to return home immediately.

Media coverage in South Korea has described the raid as a 'shock', with warnings of its potential chilling effect on business activities of South Korean companies in the US. The plant, which specializes in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, was heralded by Georgia's Republican governor as the most significant economic development project in the state, providing 1,200 jobs. The detained workers are currently housed at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, with LG Energy Solution stating that around 47 of its employees and approximately 250 workers from various contractors at the joint venture factory have been detained.