The White House has personally apologized to Hyundai’s CEO for a controversial immigration raid at a Georgia battery plant, as confirmed by the automaker’s chief. The incident, which detained over 300 South Korean workers, has sparked diplomatic tensions but both nations are advancing trade agreements to bolster relations.
Hyundai CEO José Muñoz revealed during a panel discussion at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore that he received a direct phone call from the White House expressing regret for the raid. He described the event as “a bad surprise” but affirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing in the United States. The apology followed a massive operation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a facility operated by Hyundai and LG in Georgia, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement impacting international businesses.
The raid occurred in September, resulting in the detention of more than 300 South Korean workers who were assisting with the plant’s construction. Reports indicate that the workers were forced to sit on the factory floor with their legs shackled, scenes that provoked widespread outrage in South Korea. The detainees were held for over a week before being repatriated after urgent diplomatic talks between the US and South Korean governments, underscoring the incident’s sensitivity.
Mr. Muñoz noted that the governor of Georgia also contacted him, expressing confusion and clarifying that the raid was not under state jurisdiction. He suggested that someone may have misrepresented the situation by alleging illegal immigrants were present, which he firmly denied. In response to inquiries, the White House did not directly confirm the apology but issued a statement emphasizing the US commitment to legal immigration and strengthening partnerships secured under President Trump.
This event unfolded amid President Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which has targeted various cities but now involved a major corporation. Trump had previously voiced opposition to the raid, stressing the need for experts to train local workers in specialized facilities. The situation raises questions about balancing strict enforcement with attracting foreign investment, particularly in sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing where international collaboration is crucial.
The raid delayed the battery plant’s opening due to labor shortages, as Hyundai warned in September. Despite the disruption, the company plans to continue its investments in the US, reflecting the importance of the American market. This incident illustrates the challenges multinational firms face when navigating immigration policies that can abruptly affect operations and workforce stability.
In a positive turn, the US and South Korea announced a broad trade agreement in October, reducing reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 15% and committing to $350 billion in investments. This deal aims to strengthen economic ties and may help alleviate the diplomatic strain caused by the raid, demonstrating both countries’ efforts to prioritize long-term cooperation over isolated conflicts.
Looking ahead, the apology and subsequent trade discussions indicate a mutual desire to maintain robust bilateral relations. However, the raid serves as a cautionary tale about the potential friction between immigration enforcement and global business, suggesting that clearer protocols may be needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
