South Korea Demands Answers After Mass Arrests at US Hyundai Plant
South Korea Demands Answers After Mass Arrests at US Hyundai Plant
Seoul has convened an emergency meeting and pledged a swift response following the detention of hundreds of its citizens in a major immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in the United States. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with South Korea dispatching envoys to the Georgia facility. LG Energy Solution, a partner in the plant, has also announced a suspension of most business travel to the US.
US officials confirmed the arrest of 475 individuals, predominantly South Korean nationals, on allegations of illegal employment at the battery manufacturing facility. This plant represents one of Georgia’s most significant foreign investment projects. The White House defended the operation, with former President Donald Trump stating, “They were illegal aliens and ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] was just doing its job,” following the raids on Friday.
Video released by ICE depicted Asian workers, some wearing Hyundai and LG CNS branded vests, in shackles. ICE clarified that individuals on short-term or recreational visas are not permitted to work in the US, asserting the raid was crucial for protecting American jobs. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Steven Schrank commented on Saturday, “This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”
The timing of the raid has sparked considerable concern in Seoul, especially as the two nations are engaged in sensitive trade discussions. South Korea has committed tens of billions in US manufacturing investments, partly to mitigate tariffs. Many LG employees arrested were reportedly on various business visas or under a visa waiver program. South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun expressed a “great sense of responsibility” for the arrests during Saturday’s emergency meeting, announcing the formation of an Overseas Korean Protection Task Force and hinting at a potential visit to Washington. He emphasized that the President has stressed that US law enforcement actions must not unjustly infringe upon the rights of Korean nationals or the economic activities of Korean-invested companies.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.