LONDON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday she doesn’t believe the detention of hundreds of South Koreans in an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will deter investment in the United States, asserting that such stringent actions remove uncertainty surrounding U.S. policies.
The detention of 475 workers, more than 300 of them South Korean, during the September 4 raid has prompted shock and feelings of betrayal among Korean officials and their community.
“This is a great opportunity for us to make sure that all companies are reassured that when you come to the United States, you’ll know what the rules of the game are,” Noem stated during a “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing conference in London concerning border security.
“We encourage all companies that want to come to the United States, contribute to our economy, and employ people, to prioritize hiring U.S. citizens and to bring in those who respect our laws and aim to work here rightfully,” she informed reporters.
Noem mentioned that the detained Koreans would be deported; most for ignoring previously issued removal orders while others could face consequences for criminal activities.
Newly appointed U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed Noem and other ministers at an 18th-century army headquarters for talks focused on combating unauthorized migration and the spread of crime. Mahmood emphasized the necessity for coordinated efforts against people-smuggling activities.
Despite differing approaches to migration policies, Noem expressed that discussions with her counterparts did not delve into political disagreements but instead spotlighted collaborative resources to enhance security across their respective nations.
The situation remains tense amid domestic and international scrutiny of the Trump administration's immigration policies, including mass detentions and deportations, which face numerous legal challenges.
