Massive ICE Raid at Hyundai Electric Vehicle Factory in Georgia Detains Nearly 500 South Koreans
In the largest single-site enforcement action in US history, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained nearly 500 people, mostly South Korean nationals, at a Hyundai electric vehicle factory in Georgia on [date]. The raid, which has sparked concerns about the treatment of foreign workers and potential implications for international relations between the US and South Korea, was carried out after a multi-month investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other federal crimes.
According to sources, hundreds of South Koreans were detained at the 3,000-acre site, which was built by Hyundai to manufacture electric vehicles and has been operational for a year. The majority of those detained are Korean nationals, who were allegedly working at the factory without proper documentation or authorization.
The Department of Homeland Security told the BBC that agents executed a search warrant due to allegations of unlawful employment practices and other federal crimes. "ICE was simply doing its job," said a spokesperson for President Donald Trump in response to the raid. "We will continue to enforce our laws and protect American workers."
South Korea has expressed "concern and regret" over the operation, urging the US government to respect the rights of its citizens. The South Korean Embassy in Washington issued a statement saying that it was working closely with the US authorities to resolve the situation.
The raid has raised questions about the treatment of foreign workers in the US and potential implications for international relations between the two countries. "This is a very concerning development, not just for the individuals involved but also for the broader implications for our relationship with South Korea," said Dr. John Lee, an expert on Korean-American relations at Georgetown University.
The current status of those detained is unclear, but it is reported that many are being held in detention centers while their cases are reviewed. The next steps will likely involve a thorough investigation into the allegations and potential charges against the individuals involved.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the raid at the Hyundai electric vehicle factory has sent shockwaves through both countries, highlighting the complex issues surrounding immigration and labor practices in the US.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Business and BBC Business.
