"South Koreans Caught Up in Massive Georgia Immigration Sweep"

Hundreds of South Koreans Detained in Largest Immigration Raid in US History In a major immigration enforcement operation, over 475 individuals, including hundreds of South Korean workers, were detained at a Hyundai plant in Georgia on Friday, marking the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations. According to Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, the majority of those detained were from South Korea. "This operation underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting American workers," Schrank said at a news briefing. The raid was the result of a monthslong investigation into a network of subcontractors working on the site, which raised concerns about job opportunities for Americans and Georgians. Authorities cited concerns that foreign workers were being hired instead of local residents. The Hyundai plant in Georgia is one of several facilities where electric vehicles are manufactured. The company has faced scrutiny in recent years over its labor practices and treatment of workers. Immigration experts say the raid raises questions about the impact of immigration policies on global supply chains and the lives of foreign workers employed in US industries. "This operation highlights the complexities of globalization and the need for more nuanced immigration policies," said Maria Rodriguez, a professor of immigration law at Emory University. The detained individuals will be processed through the immigration system, with some potentially facing deportation. The raid has sparked concerns among local business leaders and community groups about the impact on the region's economy. In response to the raid, Hyundai released a statement saying it was "cooperating fully" with authorities and would provide support to affected employees. The company did not comment further on the specifics of the investigation or the number of South Korean workers detained. The incident has also drawn attention from lawmakers in Washington, who are calling for greater scrutiny of immigration policies and their impact on American industries. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the raid marks a significant shift in the country's approach to immigration enforcement. In related news, Homeland Security Investigations has announced plans to increase its presence at major manufacturing sites across the US, with a focus on enforcing immigration laws and protecting American workers. The move is seen as part of a broader effort to crack down on unauthorized immigration and protect domestic industries. As the investigation continues, one thing remains certain: the lives of hundreds of South Korean workers have been forever changed by this massive immigration raid in Georgia. This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR Politics.