vide screenshot

 

South Korea has confirmed the release of over 300 workers detained in a massive immigration raid at Hyundai's Georgia plant. Following intense negotiations, a charter plane is set to bring them home once admin tasks are wrapped up.

 

The US immigration raid resulted in the detention of 475 people, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals, at the Hyundai facility that manufactures electric vehicles. This raid stands out due to its scale and its focus on Georgia's significant economic project.

 

Footage from the raid shows federal agents lining up workers, with some shackled and frisked. Hyundai's plant, partnering with LG Energy Solution, is still under construction for EV battery production.

 

The detainees were moved to a Folkston centre while investigations continue, and no charges have been made yet, according to ABC News.

 

With diplomatic concerns raised, South Korea dispatched diplomats and expressed deep regret over the incident. This international endeavour highlights collaboration between nations amid challenging circumstances.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC News 2025-09-08

 

 

I reckon if you have a big multi national behind you it does make a difference in how ICE treats you, compared to picking strawberries in some farmers field...

Of course, what they were there do won't now get done (install production lines); there are lots of good commercial reasons why a Korean company does not want US subcontractors having access to sensitive equipment. Its not about saving money. Allegedly, in the US, the left hand isn't speaking to the right hand in government, so while FDI is being encouraged, the visas aren't being issues to facilitate it, leading to shortcuts.

 

Some MAGA local politician was the one who grassed them. There was no long term ICE surveillance operation. The plant was going to generate at least 40,000 American jobs, probably 100,000 when you count the local supply chain. The pragmatic approach should have been to fine the company heavily, regularise the temporary workforce to get the construction. Now the half finished plant will likely be left fallow as Hyundai struggles to identify local contractors who can do the work, and maintain stringent confidences.

If they entered illegally through “the fence “, they’re not allowed to work.

 

If they entered legally on the 90 day Visa Waiver Program, they’re not allowed to work during their 90 days.

 

If they entered legally on the 90 day Visa Waiver Program and overstayed (most likely), they’re not allowed to work.

 

If they entered legally as an intended immigrant with the correct immigrant or non immigrant visa with rights to work they will not be detained and removed.

 

Deportation hearings are not required for visa overstays.

 

ICE is legally performing their scope of authority.

20 hours ago, Emdog said:

I reckon if you have a big multi national behind you it does make a difference in how ICE treats you, compared to picking strawberries in some farmers field...

 

Did you miss the part about the planes being sent to take them home?  That's not ICE treating them differently.  That's Korea.  The country...

 

What I want to know is who provided them with ID that was required to fill out their tax forms to withhold FICA and income taxes?  Or were they just working off the books?  And if they had fake ID, was it RealID that would have passed muster at the ballot box?

 

3 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

If they entered illegally through “the fence “, they’re not allowed to work.

 

If they entered legally on the 90 day Visa Waiver Program, they’re not allowed to work during their 90 days.

 

If they entered legally on the 90 day Visa Waiver Program and overstayed (most likely), they’re not allowed to work.

 

If they entered legally as an intended immigrant with the correct immigrant or non immigrant visa with rights to work they will not be detained and removed.

 

Deportation hearings are not required for visa overstays.

 

ICE is legally performing their scope of authority.

Trump's whole mandate is jobs for American workers NOT illegals so Hyundai will just have to hire legal workers and pay them a proper salary.

Maybe the factory should not be completed but closed down as an example. 

26 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Maybe the factory should not be completed but closed down as an example. 

Porsche can afford to stay away from production in USA.

Hyundai can not. 40% export to USA I read.

Good example why dependency on US business must be reduced/limited.

 The mass arrest of South Koreans workers in Hyundai is a microcosm of the larger political picture of Trump's America First policies that is plaguing the country. Working visas like the E-4 and H-1B are capped and there is a long standing demand from foreigners. Trump has made this politically challenging to increase these visas. 

 

South Korea is one of US largest investors but has a small qouta of working visas. This arrest will creat fear and apprehension with Korean companies and also foreign investors. Trump's aggressive immigration policy will hurt business and investments that he craved to bring back manufacturing. For example, the Hyundai and LG investment for a battery factory will employ 8,500 workers and has now stalled for indefinite period. Trump's administration keep sabotaging themselves with incoherent policies . 

 

 

On 9/8/2025 at 7:14 AM, webfact said:

South Korea has confirmed the release of over 300 workers detained in a massive immigration raid at Hyundai's Georgia plant. Following intense negotiations, a charter plane is set to bring them home once admin tasks are wrapped up.

 

So people working illegally were detained and South Korea paid for their deportation.