A massive immigration raid in the United States has triggered diplomatic shockwaves between South Korea and the U.S.. On September 4, 2025 (local time), federal agents carried out a large-scale operation at the construction site of the Hyundai–LG Energy Solution battery factory in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of 475 workers — including over 300 South Korean nationals.
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| Arrested workers at Hyundai–LG Battery Plant |
What Happened in Georgia?
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the raid was one of the largest workplace enforcement actions in recent years. Video footage released from the site shows armed federal agents, military vehicles, and helicopters surrounding the facility. Workers were searched, restrained, and escorted onto buses. Some were even caught attempting to hide inside the premises before being discovered and detained.
Who Were the Arrested Workers?
Many of those detained were reportedly employees or subcontractors of companies tied to the project, including DSK Mechanics, HL-GA, and LG CNS. Authorities allege that a significant number of South Korean nationals had entered the U.S. on short-term business or tourist visas, later taking unauthorized employment at the site. ICE also confirmed that some of those arrested included Mexican green card holders with criminal records, further intensifying the controversy surrounding labor practices at the plant.
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| Arrested workers at Hyundai–LG Battery Plant |
South Korean Government’s Response
The incident has rapidly escalated into a diplomatic issue. President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an emergency all-out response to protect South Korean citizens caught up in the raid. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced that the government has already deployed a special task force to Georgia to handle the situation and emphasized that he is prepared to travel to Washington D.C. if needed. Seoul strongly criticized the raid, calling it “overly harsh” and raising concerns about the treatment of detained workers and potential human rights violations.
Why This Matters
This raid has implications far beyond immigration enforcement. It directly impacts Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution, whose Georgia battery plant is considered a major part of the Korea–U.S. clean energy partnership. The arrests threaten to strain diplomatic relations between Seoul and Washington, while also fueling debate in the U.S. over visa systems, labor shortages, and foreign workers. For South Korea, the incident highlights the vulnerability of its citizens abroad and raises concerns about the risks tied to global corporate expansion.
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| Arrested workers at Hyundai–LG Battery Plant |
References: routers news, bbc news, the new york times, choson news
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