South Korea Secures Deal for Release of Detained Workers at Georgia Plant

South Korea Reaches Deal with US for Release of Workers in Georgia Plant SEOUL, South Korea - The South Korean government announced Sunday that it has finalized negotiations with the United States to release over 300 workers detained following a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. According to Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, the agreement will allow the workers to be released and brought back home as soon as remaining administrative steps are completed. "We have reached an understanding with the US on the release of our citizens," Kang said in a statement. "We will send a charter plane to bring them home as soon as possible." The detention of 475 people, mostly South Korean nationals, by U.S. immigration authorities on Friday sparked tensions between Seoul and Washington. The raid was part of a broader effort to crack down on unauthorized workers at the plant. Hyundai Motor Group, which operates the plant, has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. "We understand that this incident has caused concern among our employees and their families," said a Hyundai spokesperson in a statement. "We will continue to cooperate with authorities to resolve the matter." The immigration raid has raised questions about the treatment of foreign workers in the US. Critics argue that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to restrict immigration, while supporters say it is necessary to enforce existing laws. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working closely with U.S. officials to secure the release of the detained workers. "We appreciate the efforts of the US government to resolve this issue," said a ministry spokesperson in a statement. "We will continue to work together to ensure the safe return of our citizens." The charter plane is expected to depart for Georgia as soon as possible, with the South Korean government working to finalize arrangements for the workers' release. Background: The Hyundai plant in Ellabell, Georgia, has been at the center of a controversy surrounding immigration enforcement. In 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided the facility, detaining hundreds of workers. The incident sparked outrage among South Korean officials and citizens, who argued that the raid was an overreach by US authorities. Additional perspectives: Some critics have accused Hyundai Motor Group of using its influence to secure a favorable deal for the release of the detained workers. "It's clear that Hyundai has more pull than it should," said a labor rights activist in Seoul. "This incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in corporate dealings with government agencies." The South Korean government has maintained that it will continue to work closely with US officials to ensure the safe return of its citizens. "We value our relationship with the US and are committed to resolving this issue amicably," said Presidential Chief of Staff Kang. In conclusion, the agreement reached between South Korea and the US marks a significant development in the saga surrounding the Hyundai plant in Georgia. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact relations between Seoul and Washington. *Reporting by Npr.*