South Korean President, Lee Jae Myung, on Saturday, ordered urgent measures to address the mass arrests of the nation’s citizens in a United States immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor car battery factory in Georgia.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said the government has set up a task force to respond to the arrests of more than 300 South Koreans and may travel to Washington for high-level talks if necessary.
“I am deeply concerned. I feel heavy responsibility for the arrests of our citizens,” Cho told an emergency government meeting.
The raid, carried out on Thursday by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saw about 475 workers — including over 300 South Koreans — detained at the plant near Savannah. ICE described it as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of the Department of Homeland Security.
Video released by ICE showed Asian workers shackled at the wrists, waist, and ankles being loaded onto buses. Some wore yellow vests labeled with names such as “Hyundai” and “LG CNS.” Authorities said two workers attempted to evade capture by hiding in a pond before being arrested.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, said the operation was aimed at curbing illegal labour practices.
“We welcome all companies who want to invest in the U.S., and if they need to bring workers in…that’s fine — but they need to do it the legal way,” Schrank said. “This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”
Hyundai said it would review its suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with US labour and immigration regulations.
LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s partner in the factory, confirmed that 47 of its employees and about 250 contractor workers were among those detained. The company said it has recalled employees from US business trips and suspended travel to America except for customer meetings.
The arrests came at a sensitive time in U.S.–South Korea relations.
Seoul has pledged around $350 billion in investments in the United States, but disputes with the Trump administration remain over trade terms. Analysts warn that the incident could further strain ties with a key Asian ally and investor.-
