[JaeYoung] U.S. Raid at Georgia Hyundai–LG Site Detains Korean Workers

This article reports on the largest-ever U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai–LG worksite, a case that is drawing both corporate and diplomatic attention. It highlights the clash between immigration enforcement and America’s push for EV manufacturing.-Editor’s Note

U.S. federal agents detained 475 workers during a large-scale immigration enforcement action at Hyundai Motor Group’s manufacturing complex near Savannah, Georgia, which includes an adjacent EV-battery plant under construction by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, officials said. Authorities described it as the largest single-site operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Steven Schrank, HSI’s special agent in charge for Georgia and Alabama, said the months-long investigation focused on unlawful employment and that many of those detained were barred from working in the U.S. due to illegal entry, visa overstays, or violations of visa terms. Officials said the majority of detainees are South Korean nationals, and Seoul has indicated that more than 300 of its citizens were among those held.

Hyundai said its understanding is that none of the detainees are direct Hyundai employees, noting that many workers on the site are employed by contractors and subcontractors. LG Energy Solution said it is cooperating with authorities, and the company has paused certain construction work.

President Donald Trump defended the action, saying immigration agents were “doing their job.” His comments came amid questions about how aggressive enforcement may intersect with efforts to promote domestic manufacturing, including large Korean investments in U.S. electric-vehicle supply chains.

Federal agents executed a judicial search warrant at the sprawling Hyundai complex in Ellabell, Georgia, on Thursday, Sept. 4, and detained 475 people. Officials called it HSI’s largest single-site enforcement to date.

U.S. authorities cited unlawful employment, including illegal entry, visa overstays, and work performed by visitors not authorized for employment, and the probe unfolded over several months.

Most detainees are South Korean nationals, and South Korea’s foreign ministry said the total exceeded 300. Some detainees worked for the Hyundai–LG Energy Solution joint-venture battery facility now being built, while others worked for on-site contractors.

Hyundai said detainees were not direct Hyundai employees and pledged a compliance review of supplier practices. LG Energy Solution said it would fully cooperate with U.S. authorities.

The arrests prompted concern in Seoul, with officials signaling they would support affected nationals and monitor the investigation’s impact on Korean businesses operating in the U.S.

Analysts note the operation highlights tension between strict immigration enforcement and the goal of accelerating U.S. EV manufacturing through large foreign investments.

Officials have not announced criminal charges tied to the worksite operation, and detainees are being processed by immigration authorities. Hyundai and LG say they will continue to cooperate as the investigation proceeds, and South Korean officials are seeking additional information from Washington.