An unprecedented immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will delay its opening by at least two months. The company confirmed the setback after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid intensifies us-south korea tensions
The raid has fueled diplomatic friction between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers were South Korean nationals. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage international firms from investing in the United States.
South Korean officials explained the workers were sent temporarily to assist in preparing the new plant. Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz told American outlets the raid will delay the launch by two to three months because many workers now plan to return home.
biggest immigration raid in american history
The Georgia operation was the largest immigration raid in US history. Authorities detained 475 people, including roughly 300 South Koreans. US officials said the workers did not have authorization to work. South Korean officials countered that sending workers abroad to set up plants is standard practice for Korean companies.
Officials in Seoul confirmed the workers are scheduled to fly back on Friday. Their departure had been set for Wednesday but was delayed. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung said Donald Trump suggested the workers stay to continue training US staff. Only one accepted.
hyundai prepares workforce adjustments
José Muñoz said Hyundai is now working on ways to replace employees returning to South Korea. The company stressed none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which operates the Georgia battery plant with Hyundai, said many of its detained staff held visas or entered under the visa waiver programme.
doubts over investment commitments
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned stricter rules could complicate factory construction in the United States. He said companies may begin questioning whether such investments are still worthwhile.
The raid has cast uncertainty over a trade deal concluded earlier this year. Donald Trump had pledged to ease tariff threats in return for billions of dollars in South Korean investments.
Hyundai alone promised $26 billion, including a steel plant in Louisiana. Trump praised the project as part of his push to revive American manufacturing with foreign capital.
major milestone project in georgia
The raided facility belongs to a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The project is expected to create 8,500 jobs and has been described as the largest economic development in the state’s history.
