South Korea's government says it has reached an agreement with the US to release its citizens detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
The chief of staff of South Korea's president indicated that a chartered plane would be sent to bring the detainees home pending procedural approvals.
Kang Hoon-sik noted that authorities are working to improve the visa system to prevent such incidents from recurring.
US officials detained 475 individuals—over 300 of whom were South Korean nationals—found working illegally at the battery facility, which is one of the largest foreign investment projects in Georgia.
The White House defended the raid, arguing it was essential for enforcing immigration laws. President Trump stated that those detained were illegal aliens and that the operation was part of routine enforcement efforts by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Video released during the operation showed shackled workers, raising significant concerns about the timing and implications of the raid as the US and South Korea engage in sensitive trade discussions. South Korea has committed to substantial investments in the US to balance tariff impacts.
First reports indicated that many of the individuals detained were not only Hyundai workers but also connected to LG Energy Solution, which operates alongside Hyundai in the facility. Following the incident, LG announced a halt to most business trips to the US.
South Korean media described the raid as shocking, emphasizing its potential to disrupt business relations with the US. Arrested workers are being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, while the regional impact of this raid continues to unfold.
