South Korea Takes Action Following the Detention of 475 Workers at a Hyundai-LG Battery Plant in Georgia

When hundreds of South Korean citizens found themselves detained at a Hyundai facility in Georgia due to an immigration raid, South Korea responded swiftly. This incident sparked concern and prompted President Lee Jae Myung to pledge vigorous efforts to address the situation.

Expressing Concern and Taking Action

Solidarity Amid Crisis

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed deep concern during an emergency government meeting. The heavy sense of responsibility over the arrests led to discussions about potential resolutions, including a possible visit to Washington to rectify the situation.

The Immigration Raid and Its Impact

Unraveling the Incident

The immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant resulted in the detention of nearly 500 workers. This operation unfolded as part of a broader criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and other federal offenses.

Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia, described it as the most extensive single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security investigations.

Business Reactions and Compliance

Legal Compliance and Responsibility

Hyundai emphasized its commitment to compliance with all laws and regulations, clarifying that none of the detained workers were directly employed by the company. The North America chief manufacturing officer stepped in to ensure subcontractors adhere to regulations.

Similarly, LG emphasized the safety and well-being of its employees and partners, pledging full cooperation with authorities.

International Concerns and Context

Global Implications

South Korea's foreign ministry expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting the economic interests of its companies and nationals investing in the US. This event unfolded amid a broader landscape of immigration-related arrests across different sectors in the US.

The Hyundai raid followed legislative changes aimed at bolstering ICE's capacity for apprehending undocumented immigrants in the US, marking a significant development after a recent trade agreement between the US and South Korea.

Conclusion

As developments continue to unfold, it's crucial to monitor how stakeholders navigate this challenging situation. The commitment to legal compliance, employee well-being, and international relations will shape the outcomes of this incident. Stay informed and engaged as events progress.

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By: sneedleman@businessinsider.com (Sarah E. Needleman)
Title: South Korea Takes Action Following the Detention of 475 Workers at a Hyundai-LG Battery Plant in Georgia
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/hyundai-lg-battery-plant-workers-georgia-arrested-ice-raid-2025-9
Published Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2025 13:24:52 +0000