The large-scale and controversial immigration raid conducted on 4 September 2025 at a battery plant construction site of Hyundai-LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Georgia resulted in the detention of approximately 475 workers. The operation was carried out by multiple United States federal enforcement agencies and has drawn criticism.
Authorities reported that many of the detained individuals were South Korean nationals who allegedly either had overstayed visas or engaged in employment not covered by their permits. A significant number of those arrested were employees of contractor or subcontractor companies rather than direct hires of Hyundai or LG Energy Solution.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security described the operation as the largest single-site immigration enforcement action in the history of the agency. Officials emphasized that enforcement targeted violations of immigration status and work authorization requirements within the construction sector of the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.
Note that the battery plant is part of the multibillion-dollar joint venture intended to manufacture electric vehicle batteries in U.S. soil. It is considered a centerpiece in both the American economic development and green energy transition plans. However, the raid has created uncertainty regarding the stability and timing of this investment project.
South Korean government officials expressed deep concern following the arrests. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun organized a task force, considered traveling to Washington, and promised legal assistance for affected workers. President Lee Jae Myung described the raid as bewildering and warned that such actions could discourage future investment in America.
Public outrage in South Korea intensified after reports and images circulated showing detained workers in chains and handcuffs. Labor unions and civic organizations in Seoul demanded formal apologies and stronger guarantees for the treatment of citizens abroad. The incident quickly escalated from an immigration issue to a sensitive diplomatic matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation via a statement on Truth Social. He noted that foreign companies and workers are welcome but warned that compliance with immigration laws is mandatory. He expressed concern that aggressive enforcement actions could potentially frighten off or disincentivize foreign investment commitments.
Trump reiterated that the U.S. needs foreign expertise in complex industries such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors. He emphasized that international employees play a valuable role in transferring knowledge, while stressing that foreign companies must also hire and train American workers to maintain long-term economic and political balance.
Nevertheless, because of the arrest, the operations at the plant could be delayed by at least 2 to 3 months. Hyundai executives confirmed that production timelines will be reassessed. The incidents have also strained bilateral relations. South Korea had previously pledged hundreds of billions of dollars in new U.S. investment under favorable trade agreements.
The Biden administration faced criticism during earlier periods for limited enforcement, but the second Trump administration tries to combine strict immigration oversight with pro-investment rhetoric. The Georgia raid has now placed the U.S. in a delicate position between maintaining enforcement credibility and ensuring stable economic partnerships.