ATLANTA, Georgia — Hundreds of South Korean nationals detained in a major U.S. immigration raid will soon return home on a government-arranged charter flight, officials confirmed Sunday.
Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said negotiations with U.S. authorities secured the release of the workers. “Once administrative steps are complete, a chartered plane will depart to bring back our citizens,” Kang explained.
A Historic Immigration Raid
On Thursday, U.S. agents carried out one of the largest workplace immigration raids in recent history at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia. Authorities detained 475 workers, including about 300 South Korean nationals, at the electric vehicle battery facility operated by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution.
The crackdown marked the most sweeping raid yet under President Donald Trump’s campaign against undocumented labor in U.S. factories.
Seoul’s Rapid Response
South Korea moved quickly to secure its citizens’ release. The Korean Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in Atlanta worked with U.S. officials to resolve the crisis. President Lee Jae Myung ordered “all-out necessary measures” to support the detained workers.
“To prevent this from happening again, we will review visa systems and travel rules with the companies involved,” Kang said.
Corporate Statements
LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s partner at the site, pledged support. “We will commit our best efforts to ensure the safe and prompt return of our employees and partners,” said Kim Ki-soo, Chief Human Resources Officer.
LG also suspended most business trips to the U.S. and advised staff already there to either return home or remain in safe housing.
Hyundai stressed its commitment to U.S. law: “Hyundai is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws.”
What Happens Next
Officials expect the workers to return to Seoul on a government-chartered plane once final paperwork is cleared. The raid has already raised questions about foreign labor, U.S. immigration enforcement, and the impact on South Korea’s major investments in America.
