Hyundai factory in Georgia witnesses massive ICE detention of approximately 500 individuals during a raid

Headline: U.S. Immigration Raid Affects Hundreds of Workers at Hyundai's Georgia EV Plant

In a significant development, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conducted a raid at a Hyundai automotive plant in Georgia, leading to the arrest of 475 people, mostly South Korean nationals. The plant, where Hyundai began producing electric vehicles last September, is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, and is scheduled to open next year.

The operation, which targeted an adjacent plant under construction, was the result of a months-long investigation into allegations of illegal hiring at the site. Some of the detained workers were found to have illegally crossed the U.S. border, while others had entered the country legally but had expired visas or entered on a visa waiver that prohibited them from working.

Hyundai Motor Company, in a statement, expressed its priority for the safety and well-being of everyone working at the site and its compliance with all laws and regulations. The company is working to understand the specific circumstances of the raid and detentions. As of current understanding, none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company.

LG Energy Solution, another key player in the joint venture, is closely monitoring the situation and gathering all relevant details. The company's top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees and partners. As of current information, LG couldn't immediately confirm how many of its employees or Hyundai workers had been detained.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has dispatched diplomats to the site and is planning to form an on-site response team. The ministry expressed "concern and regret" over the operation targeting its citizens. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung, in a previous statement, credited President Trump with the company's decision to create more American jobs by building an EV factory in Georgia.

It is worth noting that the Hyundai site, which sits on 1214 hectares, is located in a largely rural area of Bryan County and draws in workers from several surrounding counties and communities. HL-GA Battery Co, the joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, is scheduled to open next year.

Despite the raid, Hyundai's EV manufacturing plant operations were not interrupted. The company has pledged to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities during the ongoing investigation. No one has yet been charged with any crimes.

This incident underscores the complexities of immigration and labour laws, especially in an industry that is rapidly growing, such as electric vehicle manufacturing. As the situation unfolds, both Hyundai and LG Energy Solution will continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of their employees and partners.

Hyundai factory in Georgia witnesses massive ICE detention of approximately 500 individuals during a raid