ICE Agents Detain 475 South Koreans at Hyundai-LG Battery Factory Raid in Georgia

US: South Koreans Detained in ICE Raid on Hyundai Plant In a dramatic move, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 475 people, mostly South Korean nationals suspected of working illegally, at a Hyundai-LG battery factory under construction in Georgia. The raid, carried out on Friday, marked the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations. According to Steven Schrank, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, the operation was part of a "criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes." Schrank emphasized that the raid aimed to uphold US laws and protect American jobs. "This operation underscores our commitment to jobs for Georgians and Americans," he said. The Hyundai-LG factory is a significant project, with Hyundai being one of South Korea's leading automakers. The plant's construction has raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers in the US. Critics argue that such raids create fear among immigrant communities, making them hesitant to report crimes or seek help when needed. South Korea has expressed its concern over the raid, with officials calling for a review of the situation. "We are closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures to protect our citizens," said a South Korean government spokesperson. The ICE raid is part of a broader trend in US immigration policy under President Donald Trump's administration. The president has vowed to carry out the largest deportation drive in American history, sparking controversy and debate over the impact on migrant communities. Experts say that AI-powered tools are increasingly being used by law enforcement agencies to identify and track migrant workers. "The use of AI in immigration enforcement raises concerns about bias and accuracy," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of computer science at a US university. "We need to ensure that these systems are transparent and fair." As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how many of those detained will be deported or released. The ICE raid has sparked an intense debate over immigration policy, with advocates calling for more humane treatment of migrant workers. Background: The Hyundai-LG factory is a joint venture between two South Korean conglomerates, Hyundai and LG. The plant is expected to create thousands of jobs in the US, but its construction has also raised concerns about labor practices and worker exploitation. Additional Perspectives: Critics argue that ICE raids like this one create a culture of fear among immigrant communities, making them hesitant to report crimes or seek help when needed. "These raids are not only traumatic for those detained but also undermine trust in law enforcement," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Current Status and Next Developments: The ICE raid has sparked an intense debate over immigration policy, with advocates calling for more humane treatment of migrant workers. As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how many of those detained will be deported or released. The South Korean government is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures to protect its citizens. Sources: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations Hyundai-LG factory officials South Korean government spokespersons Dr. Maria Rodriguez, professor of computer science at a US university *Reporting by Dw.*