Over 300 South Korean Citizens Detained in US Immigration Raid at Georgia Battery Plant

In a major immigration enforcement operation, US authorities have detained more than 450 'illegal aliens,' including over 300 South Korean nationals, at a battery plant construction site in Georgia. The raid targeted a joint venture facility between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution.

On Friday (September 5), South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong told reporters that during a large-scale operation at a battery plant in the state of Georgia, US immigration authorities detained multiple Korean citizens. He emphasized, "The economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights and interests of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed upon during US law enforcement."

The Atlanta office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) posted on X stating that agents from ATF, along with HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, Georgia State Patrol, and other agencies, conducted the raid at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, leading to the detention of approximately 450 unlawful aliens. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank described it as an investigation into unlawful employment practices, noting many arrests of undocumented individuals while lawful US citizens and permanent residents were released. According to Yonhap news agency, citing a diplomatic source, more than 300 South Korean nationals were among those detained at the plant. The detained Koreans had reportedly entered the US on B1 temporary business visas or under the ESTA visa waiver program for short-term stays, which do not permit employment. South Korean officials have dispatched diplomatic staff to the site and formed a task force to handle the situation, including providing legal assistance and interpretation support. Hyundai Motor Group declined to comment on the raid. LG Energy Solution stated it is closely monitoring the situation and gathering details, prioritizing the safety and well-being of employees and partners. The company affirmed full cooperation with relevant authorities and the South Korean government to ensure swift release of affected staff. South Korea, Asia's fourth-largest economy and a major automaker and electronics producer, has multiple factories in the US. In July, the country pledged $350 billion in US investments to mitigate President Donald Trump's tariff threats, including expansions in auto production and new facilities like a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana. South Korean firms have invested billions to build US factories for market access and to avoid tariffs, with the Georgia plant—a $4.7 billion joint venture expected to produce batteries for 300,000 electric vehicles annually—set for completion next year. The raid has raised concerns about potential impacts on bilateral economic ties, with Seoul urging respect for its citizens' rights amid the enforcement action.