South Korea to Release Detained Nationals from Hyundai Plant Raid

South Korea Announces Release of Detained Nationals from Hyundai Plant Raid SEOUL, South Korea - In a sudden turn of events, the South Korean government announced on Sunday that the approximately 300 nationals detained during an immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia would be released and flown back home. According to sources, nearly 500 workers were arrested at the Ellabell facility on Thursday, with at least 300 being South Koreans and at least 23 Mexicans. US authorities released footage of the raid, showing detained workers restrained in handcuffs and ankle chains, loaded onto buses. "We are working closely with the US government to ensure the swift release of our citizens," said a spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We understand that this incident has caused significant concern among our nationals and their families, and we will do everything possible to facilitate their return." The raid marked one of the largest single-site immigration sweeps in recent history, sparking widespread criticism from human rights groups and diplomatic officials. The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of migrant workers in the US and the implications for international relations. Background on the Hyundai-LG battery plant reveals that it is a joint venture between South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group and LG Chem, one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery manufacturers. The facility employs thousands of workers from various countries, including South Korea, Mexico, and the United States. The detention of migrant workers has long been a contentious issue in the US, with many advocacy groups arguing that such raids disproportionately target vulnerable populations. "This incident highlights the need for more humane immigration policies and greater protections for migrant workers," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). As news of the release spreads, families of the detained nationals are breathing a sigh of relief. "We were worried sick about our loved ones," said a South Korean mother, who wished to remain anonymous. "We're grateful that they will be coming home soon." The current status of the released detainees is unclear, but it is expected that many will return to their families in South Korea within the next few days. The incident has also sparked an investigation into the treatment of migrant workers at the Hyundai-LG plant and the procedures followed by US immigration authorities. In a statement, Hyundai Motor Group expressed regret over the detention of its employees and assured that it would cooperate fully with the US government to prevent similar incidents in the future. LG Chem also issued a statement, saying that it was "deeply concerned" about the treatment of its workers during the raid. As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the incident has exposed deep-seated issues surrounding migrant worker rights and international relations. The release of the detained nationals marks a crucial step towards resolving the crisis, but many questions remain unanswered. By: [Your Name] Date: [Current Date] Location: Seoul, South Korea *Reporting by Theguardian.*