Seoul Ends Talks with US to Secure Release of South Koreans Detained in Hyundai Raid
South Korea has concluded negotiations with the US to free over 300 nationals held after a mass ICE raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, pledging to repatriate them by charter flight.
Agreement Reached for Detainee Release
South Korea’s government announced it has finalized talks with US officials to free South Korean workers detained in a large-scale ICE raid at the Hyundai battery facility in Georgia. The president’s chief of staff said a chartered flight will bring the detainees home once administrative procedures are completed.
Details of the Raid and US Response
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 475 people—more than 300 South Korean nationals—accusing them of working illegally at one of Georgia’s biggest foreign investments. The White House defended the operation, with former President Donald Trump labeling the detainees 'illegal aliens' and stating ICE 'was just doing its job.'
ICE footage shows Asian workers in yellow vests labeled 'Hyundai' and 'LG CNS.' ICE said visitor and short-term visas do not permit employment and that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs. HSI Special Agent Steven Schrank warned that those exploiting the system 'will be held accountable.'
Repercussions for US-South Korea Relations
The timing of the raid amid sensitive trade talks between the US and its close ally South Korea has caused concern in Seoul. South Korea has pledged substantial US manufacturing investment to offset tariffs. LG Energy Solution, the plant’s co-operator, said many detained employees were on business trips or visa waivers and has suspended most travel to the US.
- Hundreds of South Koreans detained in ICE raid at the Hyundai plant
- Workers on visitor visas accused of unauthorized employment
The factory, touted by Georgia’s governor as the state’s largest economic development project, employs 1,200 people. Detainees are held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia. LG Energy Solution reported that 47 of its staff and about 250 contractors were detained.
South Korea concluded talks to secure the repatriation of more than 300 nationals held after an ICE raid at a Hyundai battery plant, highlighting tensions amid key trade discussions.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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