South Korean Detainees Fly Home After Atlanta Immigration Raid

South Korean Workers Detained in Immigration Raid Leave Atlanta and Head Home A charter plane carrying over 300 South Korean workers detained during an immigration raid at a Georgia factory departed from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta on Thursday, bound for their homeland. The flight, which is expected to land in South Korea on Friday afternoon, marks the end of a tumultuous journey for the workers who were among those detained last week. According to the South Korean Foreign Ministry, 316 Koreans, along with 10 Chinese nationals, three Japanese nationals, and one Indonesian, were released by U.S. authorities after being detained during the raid at the battery factory under construction on the campus of Hyundai's automotive plant in Georgia. The workers had been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for allegedly violating their work visas. "We are relieved that our citizens have been released and will soon be returning home," said a spokesperson for the South Korean Foreign Ministry, who wished to remain anonymous. "We appreciate the cooperation of U.S. authorities in resolving this matter." The immigration raid at the Georgia factory has sparked widespread concern about the treatment of migrant workers in the United States. Critics argue that such raids often target vulnerable populations and exacerbate labor exploitation. "This incident highlights the need for more humane and effective immigration policies," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of sociology at Emory University who specializes in immigration issues. "We must prioritize the rights and dignity of all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status." Background research suggests that the detained workers were employed by a subcontractor hired by Hyundai to work on the battery factory project. The incident has raised questions about labor practices and oversight within the automotive industry. The departure of the South Korean workers from Atlanta marks a significant development in this story, but it also raises concerns about the broader implications for immigration policy and labor rights in the United States. Additional Perspectives: "This incident underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the treatment of migrant workers," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We commend the efforts of U.S. authorities to resolve this matter, but we also emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of all workers, regardless of their immigration status," added a representative from the AFL-CIO. Current Status and Next Developments: The South Korean government has announced plans to provide support and assistance to the returning workers, including counseling services and financial aid. The incident is expected to be discussed in upcoming meetings between U.S. and South Korean officials to address concerns about labor practices and immigration policies. As this story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the incident will impact future immigration policy and labor relations in the United States. *Reporting by Npr.*