U.S raid on Hyundai EV plant sparks diplomatic tensions with South Korea

September 08, 2025 (MLN): Hyundai Motor–LG Energy Solution’s EV battery plant in Georgia came under diplomatic dispute after U.S. immigration authorities detained hundreds of South Korean workers over alleged visa violations.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said 475 individuals were taken into custody on Thursday, most of them South Korean nationals, as reported by BBC.

Many were found working illegally while on short-term visitor visas, which do not permit employment in the U.S. Detainees are currently being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, as authorities determine next steps.

South Korea’s government reacted swiftly, dispatching diplomats to Georgia and convening an emergency meeting in Seoul.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun voiced a “great sense of responsibility for the arrest of our citizens” and urged Washington to ensure that “the economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens” are not unfairly compromised during law enforcement operations.

Hyundai Motor stressed that none of those detained were directly employed by the automaker.

 Its joint venture partner, LG Energy Solution, emphasized that the “safety and wellbeing of employees and partners” remained its top priority and pledged full cooperation with U.S. authorities.

ICE highlighted that among those arrested was a Mexican citizen and U.S. green card holder with a criminal history, including narcotics possession and firearm-related offenses.

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Steven Schrank defended the operation, saying: “If companies need to bring workers in for projects, that’s fine but they need to do it the legal way.

This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”, according to BBC.

The Georgia facility, employing around 1,200 people, is a central part of the U.S. push to expand domestic EV production and had been hailed by the state’s governor as the largest economic development project in Georgia’s history.

But the enforcement action highlights a broader tension in U.S. policy attracting foreign investment while also cracking down on illegal immigration.

President Donald Trump defended the raid on Friday, saying ICE was “just doing its job.”

While acknowledging the importance of maintaining strong relations with allies, he backed his administration’s focus on ensuring “a great, stable workforce.”, as reported by BBC.

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