South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an immediate response following the arrest of over 300 South Korean citizens during an immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor car battery factory in the United States. The operation, which took place on March 7, 2024, in Ellabell, Georgia, marked a significant crackdown on undocumented workers as part of ongoing enforcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
According to reports, the raid at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint venture plant resulted in the detention of approximately 475 workers, with estimates suggesting around 300 South Koreans among those arrested. This operation is noted as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of U.S. immigration operations, highlighting the aggressive stance of U.S. immigration policies under the current administration.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that the South Korean government has formed a dedicated team to address the situation. He mentioned the possibility of traveling to Washington to engage with U.S. officials if necessary. “We are deeply concerned and feel a heavy sense of responsibility over this matter,” Cho remarked, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the rights of its citizens abroad.
The investigation leading to the arrests reportedly spanned several months, focusing on allegations of “unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes” at the facility. Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of investigations for Georgia, clarified during a press briefing that this was not a sudden immigration operation but a result of extensive criminal inquiries.
Hyundai Motor Company has confirmed that none of the detained individuals were direct employees of the automaker. A spokesperson for the company stated that they are “closely monitoring” the developments and are committed to understanding the specific circumstances surrounding the arrests. The company’s North American chief manufacturing officer, Chris Susock, will oversee operations at the Georgia site and ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution has expressed its intention to cooperate fully with authorities as it gathers information related to the incident.
Footage from the raid shows officials from Homeland Security Investigations instructing construction workers to cease operations immediately while they executed a search warrant on site. Reports indicate that some individuals attempted to flee during the raid, with authorities having to rescue a few from a sewage pond at the facility.
In light of these events, South Korea’s foreign ministry reiterated its call for the U.S. to respect the rights of its nationals. Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong stated, “The economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights and interests of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed in the course of U.S. law enforcement.”
South Korea, as Asia’s fourth-largest economy, has significant investments in the U.S. automotive and electronics sectors. The nation’s companies have poured billions of dollars into American manufacturing to access the lucrative market and mitigate tariff threats posed by U.S. trade policies.
In July 2023, President Lee met with U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, during a visit where South Korea pledged substantial investment in the U.S. manufacturing sector. As the situation unfolds, both nations face the challenge of balancing enforcement of immigration laws with the rights of foreign nationals working in the United States.
