A US immigration raid on Hyundai’s Georgia plant led to the detention of 475 workers, straining US-South Korea ties and sparking investor concerns.
Hyundai plant raid: US vows more immigration raids as South Korea moves to bring home detained workerspic.twitter.com/l0cSM2RFpX
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The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 475 workers, mostly South Korean nationals, in an immigration raid at Hyundai’s plant in Georgia. The workers were accused of immigration violations, including illegal entry and overstayed visas. Following negotiations, more than 300 South Korean workers are expected to be released and flown home on a chartered plane.
The Trump administration defended the raid, reiterating its commitment to enforcing immigration laws. President Donald Trump stated that ICE was “just doing its job,” signaling that workplace raids would expand under his administration’s policy.
South Korea’s government expressed “concern and regret” over the raid, stressing the need for improved visa processes to prevent similar incidents. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to travel to the US for further talks aimed at reducing diplomatic friction.