Mass Immigration Raid Ends with Diplomatic Resolution
In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has released 330 South Korean factory workers who were detained during a controversial immigration raid at Hyundai's battery plant construction site in Georgia last week. The workers, including 316 South Korean nationals, are expected to return home by Thursday afternoon after diplomatic negotiations between Seoul and Washington.
Controversial Operation Sparks International Outrage
The September 4th raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resulted in the arrest of 475 people at Hyundai's $4.3 billion battery manufacturing facility under construction in Ellabell, Georgia. The operation marked the largest single-location immigration enforcement action in recent U.S. history and triggered immediate diplomatic tensions between the two allied nations.
"That cooperation with the U.S., traditionally seen as an ally, would proceed so roughly was unexpected by many in South Korea," noted Gabi Verberg, East Asia correspondent.
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout
The timing of the raid proved particularly sensitive, coming shortly after South Korea had committed hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. investments as a goodwill gesture against the Trump administration's high import tariffs. The incident raised serious concerns among South Korean businesses about the viability of operating in the United States under current immigration policies.
South Korean companies have repeatedly complained about strict U.S. visa restrictions for skilled foreign workers, making it difficult to quickly deploy personnel or train local employees. The Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint venture represents one of the largest foreign investments in Georgia's history, with the battery plant expected to create thousands of American jobs.
Last-Minute Offer and Diplomatic Resolution
In a surprising development, President Trump extended a last-minute offer allowing the detained workers to remain in the U.S. to train American workers. However, only one South Korean accepted the proposal, with the overwhelming majority choosing to return home.
The resolution came after intensive diplomatic talks, including a South Korean delegation flying to Washington earlier this week to discuss visa arrangements and investment details. Both nations are now working to establish better visa processing systems for future projects.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration's strict immigration enforcement policies and the economic needs of foreign investors creating American jobs. According to Wikipedia, the Hyundai Metaplant represents a $7.6 billion investment that will eventually employ over 8,100 workers by 2031.