US President Donald Trump defended the recent immigration raid at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was “just doing its job” in detaining nearly 500 workers, including hundreds of Koreans.
The raid, dubbed “Operation Low Voltage,” was carried out after a months-long investigation into alleged illicit hiring practices at the facility.
According to ICE officials, those arrested were in the US illegally or had violated their visa status. Some had crossed the border unlawfully, while others had entered under the Visa Waiver Program, which prohibits employment.
Approximately 475 workers, mostly South Korean nationals, were detained in the raid and are being held at ICE’s Folkston detention facility in Georgia.
Hyundai Motor stated that none of the detained individuals were directly employed by the company and is “closely monitoring” the situation. LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s partner, is gathering details and cooperating with authorities.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has expressed “concern and regret” over the raid, emphasizing that the people’s rights must not be unfairly infringed upon. Korean President Lee Jae-myung has ordered all-out efforts to respond to the arrests.
The raid has sparked concerns about the impact on US-South Korea relations, particularly given the recent meeting between Trump and President Lee, where the two leaders discussed trade and security issues.
Industry officials have voiced frustration at the timing, given Hyundai Motor Group’s $26 billion US investment plan announced at a White House event attended by Trump.
Trump dismissed criticism that the large-scale raid unfairly targeted a company that has pledged substantial investment. “They have the right to sell cars and things in our country… You know, it’s not a one-sided deal,” he said. He added that the US wants to “get along with other countries” but must also enforce its immigration laws.
The diplomatic fallout from the immigration raid at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia continues to unfold.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has ordered all-out efforts to respond to the arrests of approximately 475 workers, mostly South Korean nationals.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry has expressed concern and regret over the raid, stressing that the people’s rights must not be unfairly infringed upon.
In response to the incident, Hyundai Motor has stated that none of the detained individuals were directly employed by the company and is closely monitoring the situation. LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s partner in the joint venture, is gathering details and cooperating with authorities.
Industry officials have voiced frustration at the timing of the raid, given Hyundai Motor Group’s $26 billion US investment plan announced at a White House event attended by President Trump.
The raid’s impact on US-South Korea relations is a growing concern, particularly in light of the recent meeting between Trump and President Lee, where the two leaders discussed trade and security issues. Trump’s defense of the raid, saying ICE was “just doing its job,” has done little to alleviate these concerns.
The US wants to “get along with other countries” but must also enforce its immigration laws, Trump said, dismissing criticism that the large-scale raid unfairly targeted a company that has pledged substantial investment.
The detained workers are being held at ICE’s Folkston detention facility in Georgia, and the agency has stated that those arrested were in the US illegally or had violated their visa status.
Some had crossed the border unlawfully, while others had entered under the Visa Waiver Program, which prohibits employment. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s clear that the incident has significant implications for US-South Korea relations and the future of investment in the US.