The Hyundai EV plant outside of Savannah, Georgia, made headlines last week as it was raided by ICE. This operation resulted in the arrest of up to 475 individuals, including executives from LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s battery partner. The raid, which took place on September 4, was part of an investigation into undocumented individuals and was the largest single-site enforcement operation conducted by the US Department of Homeland Security.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the treatment of the individuals detained during the raid, stating that the economic activities of Korean companies investing in the US and the rights of Korean nationals should not be unfairly violated. The ministry sent officials to Washington and the Hyundai plant to address the issue and establish a task force on-site.
In a recent update, South Korea reached a “broad agreement” to release approximately 300 Korean citizens detained in the US. A chartered flight is expected to bring these individuals back home voluntarily rather than facing deportation. However, the backlash continues in Korea, with video footage circulating on social media showing detained workers being shackled and loaded onto buses by DEA agents armed with guns.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is working to prevent similar incidents in the future and will discuss increasing the visa quota for South Korean workers during his visit to Washington. President Donald Trump, despite the recent events, emphasized the strong relationship between the US and South Korea and pledged to expedite the process for bringing foreign battery experts to the US while emphasizing the importance of hiring and training American workers.
The Hyundai plant in Georgia, covering nearly 3,000 acres, is a significant economic project expected to create around 40,000 jobs and draw $12.6 billion into the state. The facility currently produces the new 2025 IONIQ 5 and the upcoming 2026 IONIQ 9, Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV.
The ICE raid occurred shortly after President Trump met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House, highlighting the administration’s tough stance on immigration. Lee has committed to investing an additional $150 billion in the US, including a new EV battery plant, as part of efforts to ease trade tensions.
As the story continues to develop, stay tuned for updates on this ongoing situation. Sources: The New York Times, Yonhap News.
