This weekend, around 475 people were detained during an immigration raid at Hyundai’s massive Georgia Metaplant. Steven Schrank, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, called it the “largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations.” Following the raid, more than 300 workers will be flown home by the South Korean government.
ICE Conducts Raid At Hyundai Plant
Hyundai
“This operation underscores our commitment to jobs for Georgians and Americans,” Schrank said in a news conference. Schrank said the investigation leading up to the ICE raid had been ongoing for months, and authorities reportedly received intel from “community members and former workers.”
A spokesperson for the South Korean Foreign Ministry said that detained workers were part of a “network of subcontractors” working for companies on-site. Hyundai said it is “committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws.”
300+ South Koreans Flown Home
Hyundai
Speaking to Korean reporters, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said: “We are deeply concerned and feel a heavy sense of responsibility over the arrests of our nationals.” South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed that “…the rights and interests of South Korean nationals and the business operations of South Korean companies investing in the United States must not be infringed upon.”
As of Sunday, September 7, negotiations had been finalized and led to the release of the detained workers, with South Korea making arrangements for a charter plane to fly home more than 300 workers. Meanwhile, LG, which will operate a battery production facility on the grounds of Hyundai’s Metaplant, said it has suspended all business trips to the US and told visiting workers to stay in their accommodations or immediately return to South Korea. LG will also send its chief human resources officer to the US to “address the issues on site,” according to NPR.
SAC Schrank alleged the workers were either unlawfully working in the US or had immigrated illegally. President Trump backed SAC Schrank’s allegations in a statement: “I would say that they were illegal aliens, and ICE was just doing its job.”
Immigration Raids And Tariffs Stress Auto Industry
Hyundai
The messaging from Georgia officials and lawmakers has shifted in the days since the plant’s construction. Initially, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) praised the “historic benefits” the plant would bring to the state: “With more Georgians working than ever before, record jobs and investment coming to all parts of our state, and award-winning workforce development programs and infrastructure, the Peach State’s economy is reaching new heights. Our partnership with Hyundai Motor Group and the groundbreaking of this innovative facility exemplifies that unprecedented success.”
Hyundai
Congressman Buddy Carter (R) indicated a change of heart from the above 2022 photo, when the Congressman attended the Metaplant groundbreaking ceremony: “I applaud the Trump Administration and our brave law enforcement officers for taking bold action to put American workers first and protect our communities from the scourge of illegal immigration,” Carter said on X (formerly Twitter). “For anyone who thinks they can take jobs from hardworking Americans and give them to illegal immigrants, take note: not under Donald Trump’s watch.”
About the author
Chase Bierenkoven
Senior Editor, Autoblog