Korean Workers Detained in US Immigration Custody Reunited with Families After Eight Days

Strategic Insights -

Scores of Korean workers who were detained in U.S. immigration custody for eight days after being arrested at a Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution construction site in Georgia have finally returned home to reunite with their families in emotional scenes at Incheon International Airport. The workers, including 316 Koreans and 14 foreign nationals, were met with cheers and tears as they emerged from the elevator, grateful to be back in good health. The detainees described their experience in U.S. immigration custody as traumatic, with some recounting harsh treatment, unsanitary conditions, and emotional distress.

Key Takeaways:

  • 330 people, including 316 Koreans and 14 foreign nationals, were detained in U.S. immigration custody for eight days after being arrested at a Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution construction site in Georgia.
  • The workers were held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Folkston, where they were shackled, wore prison uniforms, and lived in cramped cells with two people per room.
  • Workers described harsh treatment, including being handcuffed, having their feet shackled, and being denied proper food and washing facilities.
  • ICE officers initially displayed harsh behavior, but softened over time.
  • Many workers returned without their belongings, including passports, phones, and other personal items.
  • Relatives of the workers were emotional, with one family member fainting and being taken to the emergency room after receiving news of her son's detention.
  • One mother expressed her intention to advise her son to quit his job in the US if he is to be detained again.

Statistics:

  • 330 people were transported on a Korean Air charter flight from the US to Incheon International Airport.
  • 316 of the detainees were Korean nationals.
  • 14 foreign nationals, including 10 Chinese, 3 Japanese, and 1 Indonesian, were also detaine.
  • The detainees were held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Folkston for eight days.
  • Each cell had a toilet, but with two people per room, discomfort was significant.
  • Workers wore prison uniforms for seven days.
  • Many workers returned without their belongings, including passports and phones.

Sources:

  • Hankook Ilbo
  • "A South Korean worker freed from U.S. immigration detention greets family members at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport, Friday."