Over 300 South Korean workers detained in a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, USA, are expected to return to South Korea on Friday. The operation has prompted warnings from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai’s CEO about its potential impact.
The workers, along with 14 non-Korean detainees, were aboard a chartered Korean Air flight that departed Atlanta on Thursday. However, one South Korean has chosen to remain in the U.S. to pursue permanent residency. The flight is scheduled to land at Incheon International Airport around 3:30 PM Seoul time.
The delay in departure, initially over a day, was attributed to an instruction from the White House. According to a South Korean official, President Donald Trump ordered a pause to assess whether the workers wanted to stay in the U.S. to continue working and contributing to training Americans. President Trump later advocated on social media for foreign companies to prioritize hiring Americans, while still providing legal pathways for workers respecting U.S. immigration laws.
South Korean President Lee expressed concerns that such actions would deter future investments in the U.S. by creating a challenging environment for Korean firms wanting to send workers to establish overseas operations. The South Korean government is engaged in discussions with the U.S. to secure improved visa options for Korean workers, either by increasing existing quotas or creating new categories.
The raid, which saw 475 individuals detained, including more than 300 South Koreans, was focused on those allegedly working illegally at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery facility. The confusion and distress experienced during the raid were described by workers, who were primarily mechanics and contractors installing production lines at the plant.
Hyundai’s CEO, José Muñoz, has indicated that the raid is likely to delay the factory’s opening by at least two to three months. The incident has stirred significant media coverage in South Korea, highlighting its potential to damage economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Despite the pressures, negotiations are ongoing, including calls for support from the U.S. Congress for a new visa specifically catering to Korean firms.
The broader context of U.S.–South Korea relations includes ongoing sensitive trade negotiations, amidst which this incident has introduced additional complications. However, both nations continue to stress the necessity of cooperation to mend and strengthen their alliance. Despite the challenges, there remains hope that dialogue and mutual understanding will prevail, preventing similar disruptions in the future.
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