South Korean Workers Released from US Detention, Ending Weeks of Uncertainty

Strategic Insights -

A total of 316 South Korean workers who were detained in a US immigration crackdown have returned to their home country after a chartered plane departed from Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. The workers had been arrested at a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Georgia, and were released from a detention center in Folkston after a week-long detention. The workers' release comes after the US President Donald Trump encouraged them to stay in the United States, citing the administration's need for greater cooperation with Korean companies to revitalize American industries.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 316 South Korean workers were released from a US detention center after a chartered plane departed from Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The workers were detained at a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Georgia, and were arrested for working illegally in the US.
  • 14 foreigners were also on the plane that took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at noon on Thursday.
  • 459 people, including the Koreans, were initially arrested at the EV battery site, in what was dubbed the "largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations."
  • Most Korean workers were on B-1 temporary visitor visas or entered on the visa waiver program, and were found to be working illegally in the US.
  • One South Korean national chose to remain in the US to pursue legal action and seek permanent residency, citing family ties in the country.
  • The workers' release was facilitated by an onsite support team from the Korean Embassy in Washington, led by Consul General Cho Ki-joong.
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and other senior government officials launched efforts to secure the workers' early release and safe repatriation.
  • The raid has raised questions over the US's reliability as an ally and its commitment to Johnson Act compliance.
  • South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has declared his administration's commitment to the US-South Korea alliance, citing it as the "foundation" of his security and foreign policy.

Statistics:

  • 316 South Korean workers were released from detention after a chartered plane departed from Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday.
  • 459 people, including the Koreans, were initially arrested at the EV battery site.
  • 14 foreigners were on the plane that took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at noon on Thursday.
  • A total of 475 people, including 459 Koreans, were arrested at the EV battery site.
  • 316 workers have returned to Korea, while one worker has chosen to remain in the US to pursue legal action.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency, 12 September 2025
  • Yonhap News Agency, email correspondence with Rob Rapson, former acting US Ambassador to South Korea