Release of Korean Workers from US Custody
Over 300 Korean workers are anticipated to be released from US custody and return to South Korea on Friday, as reported by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Trump administration has freed 330 detainees in total, consisting of 316 Koreans, alongside 10 Chinese nationals, three Japanese nationals, and one Indonesian. These individuals were transported to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta.
This release follows what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as the “largest single-site enforcement project” in its two-year history. A total of 475 individuals were detained, primarily Koreans, during operations conducted by US Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE). The enforcement action was part of a month-long investigation into illegal employment at a site where Hyundai collaborates with LG Energy Solutions to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles, recognized as a significant economic initiative for the state.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who initially characterized the operation as an “unfair violation,” mentioned that the government had secured a contract with the US for the safe return of its citizens via a chartered flight. A spokesperson from Lee’s office noted the need for “management procedures” to be confirmed through transactions.
Leaders from South Korea urged the Trump administration to implement improvements. During a press conference on Thursday, they highlighted issues with the Visa System, stating that unless the US facilitates the recruitment of skilled workers for foreign companies, investment hesitancy may prevail among Korean enterprises.
Lee commented, “These aren’t necessarily long-term workers. When establishing a factory, engineers are crucial, but the US lacks that workforce, and visa issuance is a challenge.”
“If we can’t secure that, setting up a local factory in the US will be quite difficult for us,” he added, expressing concerns about the implications for future investment.
He also pointed out “cultural differences” in how the two nations handle visa matters, mentioning that in Korea, it’s common for Americans to obtain tourist visas and teach English without much fuss.
Moreover, he noted that US immigration authorities have taken a stringent stance against illegal immigration and employment, which unfortunately included some of his nation’s workers caught in these initiatives.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, after a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated that American officials acknowledged the detained workers would be allowed to return later and complete their work. Both nations have agreed to form a working group to explore possible new visa categories that would facilitate sending Korean workers to the US.
The DHS and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comments.
