After a recent raid at an electric battery plant under construction on Hyundai’s campus near Savannah, Georgia, more than 300 South Korean workers remain in custody. The incident has prompted diplomatic efforts from South Korea to arrange their return.
Law enforcement detained about 475 workers during the operation last Thursday. According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, discussions are ongoing with U.S. officials regarding the logistics for repatriating the detained workers.
Korean Air is preparing a Boeing 747-8i flight from South Korea to Atlanta as early as Wednesday to transport the workers home. The Korean embassy stated that it remains in close contact with U.S. authorities and emphasized its focus on “the safety of our citizens.” The detained individuals are currently held at an immigration detention center in Folkston, southeast Georgia, which is approximately 285 miles from Atlanta.
Cho Ki-joong, consul general at the Korean Embassy in Washington, addressed media outside the detention facility and indicated that while some administrative steps remain, “things were going smoothly.” The Foreign Ministry declined comment on reports of diplomats meeting with those detained.
U.S. officials allege that those taken into custody were working unlawfully at the plant. However, Charles Kuck, a lawyer representing several detainees, argued that most were performing duties permitted under B-1 business visitor visas. This visa category allows foreign nationals to stay up to six months for business activities such as supervising projects or installing equipment if specified by contract terms.
Immigration attorney Rita Sostrin explained that citizens of countries like South Korea can also use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program for short-term visits up to 90 days with similar status to B-1 visa holders.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry noted ongoing talks aimed at allowing voluntary departure for all affected nationals rather than deportation—a distinction important because deportation can bar reentry into the U.S. for up to ten years; voluntary departure may allow future visa applications according to Department of Justice guidelines (https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1205996/download).
The presence of Hyundai’s new EV factory has led to rapid growth in Pooler and surrounding areas near Savannah. New subdivisions and apartment complexes have appeared alongside businesses catering to both American and Korean communities.
Ruby Gould, president of the Korean American Association of Greater Savannah, said: “People are very upset about the incident, the arrest of the workers,” adding concerns about increased anxiety over visa issues among local Koreans after witnessing these events.
Pooler’s population grew by 21% between 2020 and last year according to U.S. Census Bureau data (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/poolercitygeorgia/PST045223), coinciding with Hyundai’s investment in the area. While Asians made up only 6% of residents in 2020, community members report significant recent increases in Korean-American newcomers.
Pastor Robin Kim recently moved his family to Pooler and observed heightened caution among local Koreans since the raid: “The people feel like they’re being watched, like they’re being judged by the American people,” he said. Kim noted fewer Koreans out shopping and active discussions within online groups focused on community safety.
Some residents considered protesting but decided against it amid fears of drawing attention or scrutiny from authorities: “They’re trying to keep a low profile right now,” Kim said.
Kim expressed hope that tensions would ease: “I hope the Korean community keeps thriving here,” he said, “and we get over this incident real soon.”
