South Korea Sends Foreign Minister to U.S. to Secure Release of Detained Citizens
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun travels to Washington to negotiate the return of over 300 South Koreans detained in Georgia, amid concerns over immigration enforcement and foreign investment.
Background
Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained 475 workers at a car battery plant in Georgia, including over 300 South Korean nationals. The facility, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, is among Georgia's largest foreign investments.
Diplomatic Response
South Korea's foreign minister, Cho Hyun, will travel to Washington, D.C., on Monday to negotiate the workers' return. Seoul has reached an agreement with U.S. authorities to repatriate the detained individuals via charter flight, though logistical details remain under discussion.
Cho briefed South Korea's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, emphasizing efforts to secure voluntary departures rather than deportations. The government expressed "concern and regret" over the operation and urged the U.S. to uphold the rights of its citizens.
Wider Implications
Friday's raid, part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized workers under the Trump administration, occurred weeks after South Korea pledged billions for U.S. clean energy projects. Critics warn such actions could deter foreign firms from bringing technical talent to America.
In a statement on Truth Social, former President Trump defended legal recruitment of skilled workers but insisted companies "hire and train American workers" in return. The incident underscores the delicate balance between immigration enforcement and attracting foreign investment.
The detainment of hundreds of South Korean workers in Georgia spotlights growing friction between U.S. immigration policies and efforts to secure foreign investments.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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