Sharp Reactions to Hyundai Factory Raid in Georgia

SEOUL, South Korea — Over 300 Korean workers have been detained following a significant migrant raid at a Hyundai factory in Georgia, as confirmed by the South Korean government on Sunday.

Kang Hoon Sik’s Chief of Staff noted that the negotiations between South Korea and the United States regarding the release of these workers have been completed. Plans are in place for South Korea to send charter flights to bring the workers back home once management measures are finalized.

According to US immigration officials, 475 Korean citizens had been detained, with the majority being South Koreans.

South Korean Foreign Minister Jo Hyun later clarified that over 300 Korean nationals were ultimately detained.

The operation is part of a broader initiative, reportedly aligning with the Trump administration’s deportation strategies. However, this particular raid stands out due to its scale and the focus on a significant manufacturing site—Deemed Georgia’s largest economic development effort.

A video shared by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed vehicles arriving at the site, where federal agents directed workers to assemble outside.

During the operation, some detainees were ordered to raise their hands and subsequently restrained around their wrists, ankles, and hips.

Authorities concentrated on the plants under construction, where Hyundai works alongside LG Energy Solutions to manufacture electric vehicles.

The majority of those detained were taken to the Immigration Detention Center in Folkestone, Georgia, which is located near Rhine, Florida. Stephen Schrank, a key Georgia agent from Homeland Security Investigations, indicated at a press conference that the investigation is ongoing and that no charges have been filed against him so far.

The South Korean government, a close ally of the U.S., has expressed its “concern and regret” regarding the targeting of its citizens and has dispatched diplomats to the affected site.