September 7, 2025 — The South Korean government has reached an agreement with U.S. authorities to secure the release of more than 300 of its citizens detained during a large immigration raid at a Hyundai–LG electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia. Officials confirmed that the workers will soon be repatriated once administrative steps are completed, with a chartered flight arranged to bring them home.
The Largest Raid in Years
The operation, carried out by U.S. immigration authorities, was one of the largest workplace enforcement actions in recent memory. A total of 475 workers were detained, the majority of them South Korean nationals. Many of those arrested were employed by contractors and partner companies rather than Hyundai itself.
Footage of workers being led away in chains drew widespread criticism and heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Seoul.
Diplomatic Intervention
South Korea’s presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, announced that negotiations concluded swiftly, ensuring that the detained nationals would be released without prolonged legal disputes. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is expected to travel to the United States to oversee final arrangements, while senior executives from LG Energy Solution have already arrived in Georgia to assist with the process.
Economic and Political Fallout
The timing of the raid has added to the controversy. It came just weeks after South Korea pledged billions of dollars in new investments in the U.S. auto and energy sectors. Observers note that the incident has the potential to complicate trade relations and may force both governments to reevaluate labor practices and visa protections for foreign workers.
For Hyundai and LG, the raid has become a reputational challenge, prompting internal reviews of how subcontractors manage their workforce.
What Comes Next
- Repatriation: The released workers will return to South Korea on a government-chartered flight.
- Policy Review: Seoul has pledged to strengthen support and protections for its citizens working abroad.
- Industry Impact: Korean companies may tighten oversight of contractors to avoid future labor disputes in the U.S.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement, foreign investment, and global supply chains. While South Korea’s swift diplomacy secured the release of its citizens, the event raises long-term questions about worker protections, corporate accountability, and the stability of international partnerships in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.
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