South Korea Secures Release of Nationals Detained in US Hyundai Raid

Tue Oct 21 2025 07:34:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The South Korean government announces a deal with the US for the release of its citizens detained during a major immigration raid at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia.

In a diplomatic breakthrough, South Korea has secured an agreement with the US to release its nationals detained in a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai facility. A chartered plane is prepared to transport the detainees home. US officials detained 475 individuals, predominantly South Koreans, for alleged illegal employment, amid concerns about the implications for foreign investment and ongoing trade discussions between the two countries.

South Korea's government has reached an agreement with the United States to secure the release of its citizens detained during a major immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia. The South Korean chief of staff announced that a chartered plane would be dispatched to bring the detainees home once administrative processes are finalized.

Kang Hoon-sik, the chief of staff, mentioned that the authorities are also working on improving the visa system to prevent similar situations in the future. US officials detained approximately 475 individuals, with over 300 being South Korean nationals, citing illegal work activity at one of the state's largest foreign investment projects.

The White House defended the immigration enforcement action, stating the operation was necessary to uphold immigration laws. President Donald Trump commented that the detained individuals were 'illegal aliens,' emphasizing that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was fulfilling its duty.

Video footage released by ICE showed shackled workers, including those wearing vests branded with 'Hyundai' and 'LG CNS.' ICE reiterated that individuals on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized for work in the US.

As concerns about the raid's impact on foreign investment and ongoing trade negotiations grew, the timing raised alarms in Seoul. South Korea remains a significant US ally and has made substantial commitments toward American manufacturing investments.

LG Energy Solution, which collaborates with Hyundai at the plant, reported that many detained employees were on business-related trips under various visas or waivers. Consequently, the company is directing employees on assignment in the US to return home and is suspending most business trips.

Media coverage in South Korea has depicted the raid as a 'shock,' with potential repercussions for operations of local businesses in the US. The Georgia facility was highlighted as a pivotal project, employing around 1,200 workers in electric vehicle production.

Those arrested are currently being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia, with the company stating that around 47 of its employees and about 250 contractor workers were detained.

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