Hyundai Electric Vehicle Site Raid: 400+ South Koreans Detained by ICE

South Koreans Detained in ICE Raid at Hyundai Electric Vehicle Site in Georgia A massive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Hyundai electric vehicle production site in Folkston, Georgia, resulted in the detention of hundreds of South Korean nationals on February 10. According to officials, approximately 475 individuals were taken into custody for being in the country illegally or working unlawfully. The operation, which was carried out by ICE agents, targeted workers at the Hyundai plant who were allegedly not authorized to work in the United States. Of those detained, around 300 are reported to be Korean nationals. The detainees are currently being held at an ICE facility in Folkston until further action is determined. "We want to get along with other countries and have a great, stable workforce," said a spokesperson for the South Korean government in Seoul. "We understand that some of these workers came through with President Biden's policies, but we also acknowledge that they were working illegally." Hyundai Motor Company released a statement expressing its concern over the situation and stating that it is "closely monitoring the developments." The company emphasized that none of those detained are directly employed by Hyundai. The incident has sparked debate about immigration policies and their impact on industries such as manufacturing. Critics argue that ICE raids can disrupt supply chains and harm local economies, while supporters claim they help maintain national security and uphold the rule of law. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards automation in manufacturing, with companies like Hyundai investing heavily in electric vehicle production. However, experts warn that relying too heavily on foreign labor can create vulnerabilities in the workforce. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Hyundai's operations and its partnership with other companies in the region. The company has stated that its production of electric vehicles at the site was not affected by the raid. The ICE operation is part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and target employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. While some argue that such actions are necessary, others contend that they can lead to unintended consequences, including the detention of innocent individuals. In this case, the detained South Koreans will likely face deportation proceedings unless they can demonstrate eligibility for asylum or other forms of relief. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding immigration and the need for nuanced policies that balance national security with humanitarian concerns. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the long-term implications of such actions on industries, communities, and individuals affected by them. *Reporting by Bbc.*