South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun is traveling to the United States on Monday to facilitate the return of over 300 South Korean nationals detained in a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution plant in Georgia. The two countries have reached an agreement to bring the workers home on a chartered flight after intensive diplomatic negotiations.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a large-scale raid on Thursday at the electric vehicle battery plant under construction in Georgia, detaining 475 people, with more than 300 identified as South Korean citizens. The operation was part of the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to crack down on unauthorized immigration, targeting individuals who were allegedly working illegally.
According to U.S. officials, the detained workers had either entered the country illegally, overstayed their visas, or were working on visa waivers that prohibit employment. Video released by ICE showed workers being shackled and processed at the site, which has been promoted as a major economic development project for the state, expected to create thousands of jobs.
South Korea expressed immediate concern and regret over the raid, with the Foreign Ministry issuing a statement and dispatching diplomats to the location. President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need to protect the rights of South Korean nationals and ensure that economic activities are not unfairly disrupted by U.S. law enforcement actions.
The White House defended the operation, with President Donald Trump stating on Truth Social that the U.S. welcomes foreign investment and technical talent but insists companies must hire and train American workers. This aligns with his broader immigration policies aimed at safeguarding domestic employment opportunities.
The incident has sparked tensions between the two allies, particularly as South Korea recently committed to significant investments in the U.S., including a $350 billion package. Analysts warn that such raids could deter foreign companies from moving manufacturing to the U.S. due to concerns over bringing in essential specialists.
Negotiations over the weekend led to a deal on Sunday, with plans to repatriate the workers voluntarily rather than through deportation. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to travel to the U.S. to finalize arrangements, including the logistics of a charter flight for their return.
Looking ahead, South Korea has announced it will review and improve visa systems for business travelers to prevent similar issues. This episode highlights the challenges of balancing immigration enforcement with international business cooperation and may prompt further diplomatic discussions to ensure smoother cross-border operations.