Unprecedented Crackdown: 300 South Koreans Detained at Hyundai-LG Battery Plant in Georgia
In a stunning escalation of immigration enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) raided the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant construction site in Georgia on September 4 (local time). Reports confirm that over 300 South Koreans were detained, marking an unprecedented incident. The South Korean government has expressed strong regret, dispatched consular teams to the site, and demanded that the rights of its citizens be protected.
Incident Overview
According to Reuters and Korean officials, ICE and ATF agents stormed the site, targeting undocumented workers. While their original operation reportedly focused on Hispanic laborers, investigators discovered that hundreds of South Korean workers were on-site with B1/B2 visas or ESTA entries, which do not permit employment. Consequently, more than 300 South Koreans were detained and transferred to ICE detention centers, alongside an estimated 450 foreign nationals in total.
Detained South Koreans
The detained individuals are South Korean nationals who entered the U.S. on B1 (business), B2 (tourist), or ESTA visa waivers. ICE determined that their employment at the construction site constituted a visa violation. All of them are now being held at ICE facilities. If referred to immigration courts, cases could take months, with detainees facing challenges securing specialized legal representation.
South Korean Government Response
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an emergency briefing, emphasizing: “The economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights of our citizens must not be unfairly infringed.” The government dispatched consuls from the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Consulate in Atlanta to the site and established an on-site task force to support affected nationals.
In Seoul, the Foreign Ministry also summoned the U.S. Embassy to deliver official regret and concern, urging American authorities to ensure that the rights of Korean nationals are not violated in the course of immigration enforcement.
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Diplomatic and Industrial Fallout
The raid has raised alarm not only as an immigration issue but also as a potential flashpoint in Korea-U.S. economic relations. The Hyundai-LG battery plant represents a $7.5 billion investment critical to the EV supply chain and the Biden administration’s clean energy policies. However, under the Trump administration’s renewed hardline stance on immigration, this unprecedented mass detention of South Koreans could strain bilateral ties.
Analysts warn that unless resolved swiftly, the situation could impact corporate operations, investment confidence, and broader diplomatic trust between the two countries.
🔎 Key Summary
- ICE and ATF raided Hyundai-LG battery plant site in Georgia
- Over 300 South Koreans detained for visa violations (B1/B2, ESTA)
- South Korean government dispatched task force and protested via U.S. Embassy
- No prior notice or consultation from U.S. authorities
- Incident may strain Korea-U.S. economic and diplomatic relations
FAQ: Hyundai-LG Georgia Plant Raid
1. When and where did the incident happen?
On September 4, 2025 (local time), at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint EV battery plant construction site in Georgia, USA.
2. How many South Koreans were detained?
More than 300 South Korean nationals were detained and transferred to ICE detention facilities.
3. Why were they detained?
They were working with B1/B2 visas or ESTA, which do not permit employment, leading to visa violation charges.
4. How is the South Korean government responding?
The Foreign Ministry dispatched consular officials to Georgia, formed a task force, and formally expressed regret and concern to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
5. What are the potential consequences?
The crackdown could complicate Korea-U.S. relations, disrupt corporate projects, and raise questions about investment stability in the U.S. under the Trump administration.
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Conclusion: A Diplomatic Flashpoint Requiring Urgent Resolution
The mass detention of South Koreans at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia is unprecedented in scale and carries far-reaching implications. Beyond immigration enforcement, it poses a direct challenge to the stability of the Korea-U.S. partnership in both economic and diplomatic spheres. Swift diplomatic engagement, combined with stronger corporate compliance on visas and labor practices, will be essential to resolve this crisis and prevent future incidents of this magnitude.
