South Korean Workers Return Home Following US Immigration Raid at Georgia Hyundai Plant

South Korean Workers Repatriated After Georgia Immigration Raid

More than 300 South Korean nationals, who were detained during a significant US immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia, have returned to their home country. Their repatriation was facilitated by a chartered plane dispatched by the South Korean government, concluding a week of detention and diplomatic negotiations. The raid, which occurred on September 4, 2025, resulted in the arrest of 475 individuals suspected of immigration violations.

Details of the Enforcement Operation

The large-scale enforcement operation was conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, specifically targeting the battery factory under construction, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution (HL-GA Battery Co.). HSI officials described it as the 'largest single-site enforcement operation' in the agency's history. Of the 475 individuals arrested, over 300 were South Korean nationals, with some reports indicating 316 South Koreans among the repatriated group. The detentions stemmed from allegations of 'unlawful employment practices' and 'other serious federal crimes,' with workers reportedly having 'expired passports, expired visas,' or working on 'visa waivers' that prohibited employment.

Diplomatic Intervention and Repatriation Efforts

The incident prompted a swift and strong response from the South Korean government, which expressed 'concern and regret' and dispatched diplomats to the site. Following intense negotiations between Seoul and Washington, a deal was reached for the workers' release. A Korean Air Boeing 747-8i chartered plane departed from Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul, to transport the detained workers. Although the return flight faced initial delays, the workers, who had been held at an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia, were eventually moved to Atlanta for their flight. The plane landed back in South Korea on Friday, September 12, 2025, reuniting the workers with their families.

Broader Implications and Economic Context

The raid occurred at a critical juncture for US-South Korea economic relations, as the $7.6 billion Hyundai-LG plant represents a significant foreign investment in Georgia and is projected to create 8,500 jobs. US Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) voiced a desire for some of the detained South Korean nationals to return, emphasizing their 'specialized skills' needed to complete the plant and train American workers. The South Korean government had negotiated for 'voluntary' departures to prevent deportations that could bar workers from re-entering the US for up to 10 years. The event has highlighted the complexities of immigration enforcement amidst substantial international investment and the need for clear visa and employment regulations for foreign workers.