Hundreds of Workers Detained in Largest Single-Site Immigration Raid in US History

Strategic Insights -

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a massive raid at a Hyundai car battery plant in Georgia, detaining 475 workers, most of them South Korean nationals, in what is being described as one of the largest single-site enforcement operations in the agency's two-decade history. The operation is part of the Trump administration's sweeping crackdown on undocumented labor, targeting a factory that has been touted as Georgia's largest-ever economic development project. The workers were taken to an immigration detention center near the Florida state line, sparking a diplomatic row between the US and South Korea.

Key Takeaways:

  • 475 workers were detained, with over 300 Koreans among them, in a joint operation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
  • The workers were employed by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution at the HL-GA Battery Co, a joint venture, and at construction sites operated by contractors.
  • Some of the detained workers had entered the country illegally, while others had expired visas or had entered on a visa waiver that prohibited them from working.
  • An immigration attorney representing two of the detained workers said they arrived from South Korea under a visa waiver program that enables them to travel for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
  • The South Korean government expressed "concern and regret" over the operation and is sending diplomats to the site, with the first vice foreign minister asking the US to ensure a fair and swift resolution to the matter.
  • The raid was the result of a months-long investigation into allegations of illegal hiring at the site, with agents seeking employment records, timecards, and video and photos of workers.
  • Hyundai Motor Group started manufacturing EVs at the $7.6 billion plant a year ago, with the site in Bryan County employing about 1,200 people.

Statistics:

  • 475 workers were detained in the operation.
  • Over 300 Koreans were among the detained workers.
  • The workers were employed by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution at the HL-GA Battery Co, and at construction sites operated by contractors.
  • 90-day visa waiver program used by the detained workers.
  • The South Korean government has a team set up to respond to the situation.
  • $7.6 billion: the cost of the Hyundai car battery plant.
  • 1,200 people: the current employment at the site in Bryan County.

Sources:

  • "Hundreds of Workers Detained in Largest Single-Site Immigration Raid in US History" by wires.