United States set to welcome South Korea's foreign minister following the arrest of Hyundai employees

In a significant turn of events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted a raid at Hyundai-LG Energy Solution's battery plant in Georgia, marking the largest single-site operation in its history. The operation targeted 475 workers, primarily employed by subcontractors, following an investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices.

The raid, which took place 10 days after South Korea's new President, Lee Jae Myung, met with U.S. President Donald Trump, has raised tensions as Hyundai and LGES expand their U.S. operations. This $4.3 billion investment is part of South Korea's commitment to a $350 billion investment in the U.S. market, including Hyundai's Georgia project.

In response to the detentions, Hyundai has asked some staff to suspend non-essential trips, and LGES is recalling employees currently in the U.S., except for essential personnel. Chris Susock, Hyundai's North America chief manufacturing officer, will oversee the Georgia site.

The South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, is traveling to the U.S. on Monday to discuss visa reforms following the detention of 300 Korean workers. The visit aims to prevent a similar incident in the future and maintain confidence in South Korea's investments in the U.S.

U.S. President Trump labeled the detained workers as "illegal aliens," and further encouraged foreign companies to bring skilled workers legally to the U.S. DHS has not commented further on the detentions, but White House border official Tom Homan has vowed more workplace enforcement.

Video footage from the raid showed armored vehicles and some workers shackled, causing concern in Seoul. The upcoming talks between Cho and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to address these concerns and negotiate visa reforms to prevent similar issues in the future.

The raid occurred during negotiations over the broader U.S.-South Korea trade and investment deal. Despite the tensions, both parties are working towards a mutually beneficial agreement. The operation followed a judicial search warrant, and the person who will negotiate the visa reforms and reach an agreement to prevent similar issues in the future has not been identified.

President Trump has encouraged foreign companies to bring skilled workers legally, following the raid. The detentions have added a complex layer to the ongoing trade negotiations, but both parties remain committed to finding a solution that benefits both countries.

United States set to welcome South Korea's foreign minister following the arrest of Hyundai employees