The large new Hyundai EV plant exterior of Savannah, Georgia, was raided by ICE final week. Federal brokers took tons of of individuals into custody on the web site, together with executives from LG Vitality Answer, Hyundai’s battery accomplice and co-owner of the plant.
Replace 09/10/2025: A constitution airplane was proven taking off from the Incheon Worldwide Airport in South Korea on Wednesday, headed for the US.
In line with studies (through The Related Press), the airplane landed in Atlanta, however can not depart the US simply but resulting from unknown causes on the US aspect.
The detainees are at present being held at an immigration detention middle in Georgia. They’re anticipated to be launched and transferred to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport, the place the constitution airplane is ready to convey them residence.
The battery plant web site that was raided is one in every of over 20 that South Korean corporations are at present constructing within the US.
As the biggest office raid by the US Homeland Safety, the occasion is shortly spreading backlash amongst South Koreans.
Charles Kuck, an immigration legal professional from Atlanta who represents a number of of the detained residents, informed The Related Press that no different firm within the US makes the machines used at Hyundai’s plant. So, they needed to come from abroad to put in or restore gear on the plant. He added that many have been doing so underneath varied visa applications legally.
Why was the Hyundai EV plant raided by ICE?
After celebrating the grand opening of its new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia earlier this yr, the Korean automaker stated it’s “constructing the way forward for mobility with America, in America.”
On September 4, a development web site for a brand new battery plant was raided by US immigration authorities. As much as 475 individuals have been arrested as a part of an investigation into undocumented people. It was the US Division of Homeland Safety’s largest single-site enforcement operation so far.
The South Korean Overseas Ministry issued an announcement on Friday, September 5 (through Yonhap Information), claiming that the people have been mistreated.
“The financial actions of our corporations investing within the US and the rights and pursuits of our nationals should not be unfairly violated,” South Korean ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong stated.
The ministry’s spokesperson added that “We conveyed our concern and remorse by means of the US Embassy in Seoul in the present day.” Korea despatched officers to Washington and to the Hyundai plant to ascertain an on-site job pressure to cope with the matter.
Replace 09/08/25: South Korea reached a “broad settlement” on September 7 to launch the roughly 300 Korean residents detained within the US.
A overseas ministry official confirmed on Monday (through Yonhap Information) that “Now we have agreed on a plan to convey all our residents again residence safely through a chartered flight.” The official added that the residents will head residence voluntarily fairly than going through deportation.
Backlash is erupting in Korea after video footage circulated on social media exhibiting the detained staff shackled earlier than being loaded onto buses and DEA brokers armed with weapons exterior the ability.
South Korean Overseas Minister Cho Hyun is in talks with Washington to debate methods to stop related incidents from taking place once more, together with rising the visa quota for South Korean staff.
In the meantime, President Donald Trump nonetheless believes the US and South Korea have “an excellent relationship.” Trump informed reporters after a go to to the US Open tennis ultimate on September 8 that “we’ve an excellent relationship with South Korea, actually good relationship.”
Trump later posted on Reality Social that the US will “make it shortly and legally doable” to convey overseas battery consultants to the US, including, “What we ask in return is that you simply rent and practice American Staff.”
Hyundai’s web site in Georgia spans practically 3,000 acres complete and consists of an meeting facility, two battery crops, a weld store, and a number of other others for coaching, logistics, and extra.
As the biggest financial challenge in Georgia, the plant, together with Hyundai’s suppliers, is anticipated to create practically 40,000 jobs whereas drawing $12.6 billion into the state.
Hyundai at present builds the brand new 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9, its first three-row electrical SUV, on the Georgia facility.
The ICE raid got here simply days after US President Trump hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the White Home. It’s a part of the administration’s aggressive crackdown on immigration. Lee has dedicated to investing one other $150 billion within the US, together with a brand new EV battery plant, because it seeks to ease commerce tensions.
Test again quickly for the newest data, as that is nonetheless an ongoing story. We’ll hold you up to date with the newest.
Supply: The New York Occasions, Yonhap Information
