South Korean Workers Freed from Immigration Raid Depart Atlanta for Homebound Journey

South Korean Workers Detained in Immigration Raid Leave Atlanta and Head Home A Korean Air charter plane carrying over 300 workers from South Korea who were detained during an immigration raid at a battery factory in Georgia last week departed Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Thursday, bound for their home country. The flight is expected to land on Friday afternoon. The detainees, including 316 Koreans, 10 Chinese nationals, three Japanese nationals, and one Indonesian, had been held at a detention center in southeast Georgia since the raid last week. According to South Korea's Foreign Ministry, U.S. authorities released them after verifying their identities and immigration status. "We are relieved that our citizens have been released and will soon be reunited with their families," said a spokesperson for the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. "We appreciate the cooperation of U.S. authorities in resolving this matter." The workers were among about 475 people detained during the raid at the battery factory under construction on the campus of Hyundai's electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Bryan County, Georgia. The facility is a joint venture between Hyundai and Kia Motors. The immigration raid was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who alleged that many of the workers were in the country without proper documentation or authorization. However, advocates for immigrant rights argue that the raid was overly broad and targeted vulnerable workers who may not have been aware of their immigration status. "This incident highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes fairness, equity, and human dignity," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We urge policymakers to address the root causes of immigration issues and ensure that all workers are treated with respect and dignity." The departure of the South Korean workers marks a significant development in this case. As they return home, questions remain about the long-term implications of the raid on U.S.-South Korea relations and the broader immigration landscape. Background: In recent years, there has been an increase in immigration raids and deportations targeting foreign workers in the United States. The Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" policy towards undocumented immigrants led to a surge in deportations, including those of South Korean nationals. However, under the Biden administration, ICE has shifted its focus towards more targeted enforcement efforts, prioritizing national security threats and serious immigration violators. Additional Perspectives: Immigration experts note that the raid at the Hyundai factory highlights the complexities of global supply chains and labor migration. "The fact that workers from South Korea were detained in Georgia underscores the interconnectedness of international trade and labor markets," said Dr. Soo-jin Kim, an expert on immigration and globalization. As the South Korean workers return home, they will likely face a mix of emotions, including relief, gratitude, and uncertainty about their future. Their departure marks a significant moment in this case, but it also raises questions about what comes next for U.S.-South Korea relations and the broader immigration landscape. Current Status: The flight carrying the South Korean workers departed Atlanta at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, bound for Incheon International Airport in South Korea. The plane is expected to land on Friday afternoon, marking the end of their detention period. As the workers return home, advocates for immigrant rights will continue to push for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes fairness, equity, and human dignity. *Reporting by Npr.*