Atlanta, USA, 12 September (H.S.): Over 300 South Korean workers detained in a large-scale US immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia are set to return home on Friday, following diplomatic pressure and high-level discussions. The raid, which targeted workers alleged to be employed illegally, has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s industrial and political spheres, raising concerns about the future of Korean investments in the United States.
A chartered Korean Air flight departed Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport midday Thursday, carrying the detained South Korean nationals alongside 14 other detainees. The plane is expected to land at Incheon International Airport later Friday afternoon Seoul time. One detained South Korean worker has opted to remain in the US to pursue permanent residency.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung disclosed that the departure was delayed due to White House instructions aimed at exploring whether the workers wished to stay to assist with training American employees. The White House has yet to comment on this matter publicly.
Expressing deep unease, President Lee noted the raid’s chilling effect on Korean companies, warning that it could deter foreign investment and complicate efforts to establish manufacturing operations stateside. Seoul is actively negotiating with Washington to secure enhanced visa options or new categories to facilitate the movement of Korean workers in the US.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry has appealed to the US Congress to support visa reforms favorable to Korean firms. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reiterated these concerns in meetings with US senators earlier this week.
Hyundai’s CEO José Muñoz cautioned that the raid would delay the plant’s opening by at least two to three months, given the disruption caused by the absence of key personnel.
Last week’s immigration operation detained 475 individuals at the battery plant, one of Georgia’s largest foreign investment projects, including more than 300 South Korean nationals. LG Energy Solution clarified that many detained workers held valid visas or were under visa waivers.
The raid has been described in South Korean media as a “shock” and “a chilling warning” to businesses operating in the US, underscoring a strain in diplomatic and economic ties amid sensitive trade negotiations. The White House, however, defended the action, emphasizing adherence to immigration laws and pledging legal pathways for foreign firms to employ workers in compliance with US regulations.
President Donald Trump linked the raid to his broader call for prioritizing American workers, reaffirming a stance favoring lawful employment practices while maintaining openness to foreign investment conditioned on legal compliance.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
