Seoul/Washington, September 8(HS): South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement to release and repatriate more than 300 South Korean nationals detained in a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia. The detainees, among a total of 475 arrested, were found working without proper authorization, predominantly holding visitor or business visas that do not permit employment in the US.

Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to South Korea’s president, announced that a chartered flight will be arranged to bring home the detained citizens once administrative procedures are complete. South Korean authorities are also working to improve visa regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials emphasized the necessity of the operation to uphold immigration laws and protect American jobs. The raid, one of the largest workplace enforcement actions under the Trump administration, involved more than 500 agents and focused on subcontractor workers at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint venture.

President Donald Trump publicly supported the raid, urging foreign companies to comply with US immigration laws and prioritize hiring and training American workers while allowing the legal entry of skilled foreign talent. The timing of the raid amid ongoing trade talks has raised diplomatic concerns in Seoul.

Hyundai and LG Energy Solution stated the detained individuals were mostly employed by contractors or on business trips and assured cooperation with authorities. The companies have suspended most US business travel for staff and directed those on assignment to return home immediately.

The raid exposed tensions between enforcing immigration policies and maintaining strong international business relations, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing domestic enforcement priorities with global economic partnerships.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar