South Korea Reacts to Mass Arrests of Citizens in U.S.
On Saturday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need for a swift response after the arrest of hundreds of citizens during an immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai automobile and battery factory.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced plans to form a team in response to the detention of over 300 Koreans at a facility in southern Georgia on Thursday, noting potential discussions with U.S. officials if required.
“I am quite concerned. There’s a heavy weight to bear regarding the detentions of our people,” Cho conveyed during an urgent government assembly.
This situation could escalate tensions between the Trump administration and South Korea, a key ally and investor in the region, particularly as they are already at odds over trade agreement specifics, which includes a significant $350 billion investment from South Korea into the U.S.
Mass Arrests of Workers
A video from the U.S. immigration and customs enforcement agency revealed Asian workers detained on buses, bound at their wrists, hips, and ankles, following a dramatic operation that involved a helicopter and armored vehicles.
Approximately 475 workers were arrested at a factory near Savannah, including more than 300 Koreans. This marked the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security, as part of President Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown.
The footage showed many workers gathered outside the facility, some in yellow vests bearing names such as “Hyundai” and “LG CNS.” Some individuals reportedly even attempted to hide in a nearby pond before being apprehended.
“We welcome all businesses eager to invest in the U.S. However, if they need to bring in workers for construction or related projects, that should be done through proper means,” an official remarked.
The operation aimed to deliver a clear message: those who exploit the system and disrupt the labor force will be held accountable.
Hyundai stated that it would conduct inquiries into its suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with regulations.
Meanwhile, LG Energy Solutions, collaborating with Hyundai on the plant, has suspended all travel to the U.S. for employees except for necessary customer meetings, calling back staff from a recent U.S. trip. Reports indicate that around 47 employees and approximately 250 contractor workers from the joint venture were detained during the incident.
