South Koreans Detained in US Immigration Raid to Return Home on Charter Flight

South Koreans Arrested in U.S. Immigration Raid Being Sent Home A chartered flight is set to depart from Atlanta, Georgia, carrying over 300 South Korean workers who were detained by U.S. immigration authorities last week. The workers, employed at a Hyundai-invested electric vehicle battery plant in Bryan County, Georgia, were allegedly working without proper documentation. Timeline of Events: September 4, 2025: ICE agents raided the plant and detained over 300 South Korean workers. September 10, 2025: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the workers would be deported. September 11, 2025: A chartered flight is scheduled to depart from Atlanta, carrying the detainees back to South Korea. Immediate Impact and Response: The detention and potential deportation of these skilled technicians have sent shockwaves through both countries. South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung has warned that this incident could "significantly impact future direct investment in the US." The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stated that it will continue to enforce immigration laws, but also emphasized its commitment to fair and humane treatment. Background Context: The Hyundai-invested plant was established as part of a larger effort to revitalize American manufacturing. However, concerns about labor practices and immigration policies have been raised in recent months. This incident highlights the complexities of international cooperation on economic development and immigration. What Happens Next: As the chartered flight departs from Atlanta, attention will shift to the implications of this event for future investment and collaboration between South Korea and the United States. The incident also raises questions about the role of AI in facilitating international labor mobility and the need for more effective policies to address these issues. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Npr reporting.*