US Georgia Raid May Deter Korean Investment, Warns President Lee

Diplomatic Tensions Rise After Massive Immigration Raid

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed serious concerns that a recent US immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant construction site in Georgia could significantly impact Korean investment in the United States. The raid, which occurred on September 4, 2025, resulted in the detention of over 300 South Korean nationals.

Unprecedented Enforcement Action

The operation, described by US authorities as the largest single-location immigration enforcement action in recent history, targeted workers at the $4.3 billion HL-GA Battery Company joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. Located in Ellabell, Georgia, the facility represents a critical component of America's electric vehicle supply chain strategy.

President Lee, speaking at a news conference marking his 100th day in office, stated: 'South Korean firms doing business in the US must be left baffled now. The detained workers had little choice but to enter the country on B-1 visas or through visa waivers for temporary business visits.'

Visa Complexities and Business Impact

The president emphasized that similar issues will persist unless the US addresses visa complexities and expands quotas for temporary workers. 'A factory needs technicians to install mechanical equipment, but they are not permanent hires. No US technicians could do that work. Our workers train local staff and then return home,' Lee explained.

According to the latest updates, 316 South Korean nationals and 14 non-Koreans were scheduled to leave detention centers on Thursday to return to South Korea on Friday. The White House reportedly ordered a pause in the release process amid negotiations over transportation procedures.

Diplomatic Resolution Efforts

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced that Seoul and Washington had agreed to establish a working group to create a new type of visa specifically for South Korean technical workers. This initiative aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future while maintaining necessary immigration controls.

President Lee noted cultural differences in immigration enforcement, pointing out that 'Americans would come in as tourists and teach English at language institutes. We tend to think, "That's fine." But over there, it seems they think, "Absolutely not."'

The incident has raised questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and maintaining positive international business relationships, particularly as the US seeks to strengthen its domestic manufacturing capabilities in strategic industries like electric vehicles.