World Immigration News

Hundreds of South Korean nationals detained in largest single-site immigration raid

Release Date
2025-09-06
Media
NBC News
Summary
In Georgia, U.S. federal authorities carried out a large-scale immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site, detaining 475 individuals—mostly South Korean nationals—on suspicion of working illegally or violating visa conditions. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) stated this was the largest single-site operation in its history and part of the broader "Operation Take Back America" targeting illegal immigration and transnational crime.

While officials claimed the detainees were unlawfully present, some, including process engineers, were reportedly in the U.S. legally under the Visa Waiver Program, prompting criticism and legal defense. The South Korean government expressed concern over potential rights violations and established a task force to support its nationals. Hyundai and LG clarified that those detained were not their direct employees but hired through contractors and pledged to cooperate with authorities.

The incident has drawn attention to the tension between strict U.S. immigration enforcement and the significant investments foreign companies like Hyundai are making in American manufacturing.
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