The South Korean government has reached an agreement with U.S. officials to secure the release of hundreds of workers detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said 475 people were arrested at the under-construction facility.
The Raid
The operation targeted illegal migrant workers, most of them South Korean nationals.
Some had crossed the U.S. border illegally, while others overstayed visas or were working in violation of visa waivers.
Federal agents confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other law enforcement agencies participated.
Hyundai’s Statement
Hyundai Motor Company said none of the detained workers were direct employees.
Instead, they were hired by subcontractors at the construction site.
“As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,” the company told Fox News Digital.
Hyundai added that construction work at the site has been paused.
South Korea’s Response
President Lee Jae Myung’s office confirmed that a charter plane will return the workers to South Korea in the coming days.
The Foreign Ministry said last week it expressed “concern and regret” over the raid.
Lee Jae Myung’s
Officials also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of their citizens abroad.
Trump Administration Policy
Workplace raids have become more frequent under President Donald Trump.
The administration has prioritized worksite enforcement as part of its immigration crackdown.
Last month, federal agents raided a California cannabis farm, where children were found working illegally.
That raid sparked criticism from Democratic officials, but immigration authorities defended the operation as necessary.
