Nearly 475 individuals were detained during an immigration enforcement action at a Georgia facility where Hyundai, a South Korean automaker, is constructing an electric vehicle and battery manufacturing site. The raid was confirmed by Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, who stated Friday that most of those detained are from South Korea.
“This operation underscores our commitment to jobs for Georgians and Americans,” Schrank said.
South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jaewoong called the number of South Koreans detained “large” but did not specify how many were involved.
The raid targeted one of Georgia’s largest industrial projects. The plant, which remains under construction, is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution to produce batteries for electric vehicles. Some of those detained worked directly for the battery manufacturer or for contractors and subcontractors on-site, according to Schrank. Hyundai spokesperson Bianca Johnson said operations at the company’s electric vehicle manufacturing plant were not interrupted. In a statement Friday, Hyundai Motor Company said it was seeking more information about the situation: “As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company.”
Immigration attorney Charles Kuck reported that two of his clients held during the raid had entered the United States from South Korea using a visa waiver program intended for short-term tourism or business stays without obtaining a visa. “They were both engaging in normal visa waiver activities,” Kuck said. He added that his clients have been unable to contact him since their detention and noted that they had planned to return home soon.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to send more than 300 National Guard members to Washington later this month as part of ongoing law enforcement operations in the nation’s capital. This deployment will relieve personnel from other states who have already been supporting federal authorities.
The battery plant project has been promoted by state officials as one of Georgia’s most significant economic development efforts. The collaboration with LG Energy Solution is seen as key for both local job creation and participation in the growing electric vehicle sector.
