Breaking News: Trump Backtracks on ICE Raids Amid Concerns Over Foreign Investment
In a sudden reversal, President Donald Trump has stated that he does not want to "frighten off" foreign investment in the United States, just 10 days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested hundreds of South Korean workers at a construction site in Georgia.
According to reports, on September 4, ICE officials detained 475 people, mostly South Korean nationals, who were working on an electric vehicle battery factory operated by Hyundai-LG. The raid was the largest single-site operation conducted since Trump launched his immigration crackdown across the country.
Trump's about-face comes as investors and business leaders express growing concerns over the impact of such raids on foreign investment in the US. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "I don't want to frighten off or disincentivize investment."
The ICE raid has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and international organizations, who argue that the arrests were unjustified and targeted vulnerable workers.
In the aftermath of the raid, Hyundai-LG issued a statement expressing concern over the detention of its employees and promising to cooperate with authorities. The company's CEO, Chung Eui-sun, met with Trump earlier this month to discuss trade and investment opportunities between the US and South Korea.
The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of foreign workers in the US, who often face exploitation and mistreatment by employers. Human Rights Watch has called on the US government to reform its immigration policies to protect vulnerable workers.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Trump's statement will affect future immigration enforcement actions. The White House has yet to provide further clarification on the president's intentions.
Background Context:
The US has long been a major destination for foreign investment, with many multinational corporations setting up operations in the country. However, recent years have seen a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and increased scrutiny of foreign workers. The ICE raid on the Hyundai-LG site is just one example of this trend.
What Happens Next:
As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that international organizations and human rights groups will continue to push for reforms to protect vulnerable workers. The US government may also face pressure from business leaders and investors to clarify its stance on foreign investment and immigration enforcement.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Fortune reporting.*