More than 300 of the Korean workers detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai–LG Energy electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia on Thursday are set to go home. South Korea’s presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik made the announcement at a policy meeting in Seoul, adding that the release is imminent because of cooperation between government ministries, business groups and companies, according to the Korea Times.
Once “administrative procedures” are completed, a charter flight will leave to bring the South Korean citizens back, Kang said, adding, “Until they return safely, the government will stay fully alert.”
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The raid
During the raid at the Hyundai plant in Ellabell, about 475 people were arrested. Video verified by NBC News showed agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement entering the site with a warrant and ordering that construction stop.
According to The Associated Press, most of those detained were taken to an immigration detention center in Folkston, Goergia. Steven Schrank, the lead Georgia agent for Homeland Security Investigations, told reporters some of the detained workers crossed the United States border unlawfully, or they entered the country legally but had expired visas or ones that didn’t allow them to work.
Schrank said at a news conference that the employees worked for a battery plant operated by HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, though some were also hired by contractors and subcontractors at the construction site.
In a statement, Hyundai said it is “committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate.”
“This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws. We expect the same commitment from all our partners, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors,” Hyundai said.
South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed “concern and regret” to the U.S. Embassy, and a spokesperson stated that “economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” according to Yonhap News Agency.
The project
Hyundai began making electric vehicles at the plant about one year ago, and according to the AP, the site employs about 1,200 people. Agents on Thursday focused on an adjacent plant that is still under construction, where Hyundai has collaborated with LG Energy Solution to manufacture EV batteries.
The complex being constructed is considered one of the largest manufacturing projects in Georgia’s history, and represents a $7.6 billion investment by Hyundai and LG Energy. It’s estimated to bring in 8,500 jobs by 2031.
In August, Hyundai, which is headquartered in Seoul, announced it is boosting its investment in the project to $26 billion through 2028. Seoul also pledged $350 billion in investments in the U.S. as part of negotiations that ended with a 15% tariff rate on its imports.
After the raid, Kang said the South Korean government “will take all measures to harmoniously achieve two goals — having the detained citizens released swiftly and stably carrying out the [battery plant construction] project.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung directed his administration to make the case a top priority.
“This happened in the course of a major investment project between Korea and the U.S.,” Lee said. “Our citizens’ rights must not be infringed, and their situation must be resolved swiftly.”
