By Peter Omopo
September 6, 2025
U.S. immigration authorities have arrested 475 people, including more than 300 South Koreans, during a raid on a Hyundai Motor–LG Energy Solution joint battery plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, was described by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as the largest single-site raid under President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown.
HSI special agent Steven Schrank told reporters that the arrests followed a months-long criminal investigation into “unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes.” He stressed that the action was “not a random immigration roundup,” but a targeted probe into illegal work arrangements.
Those detained were accused of being illegally present in the U.S. and working without authorization. They have been handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for potential deportation.
In Seoul, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed that more than 300 nationals were among those arrested. “We are deeply concerned and feel a heavy sense of responsibility over this matter,” he said, adding that he was prepared to travel to Washington for talks if needed.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to ensure the “legitimate rights and interests” of its citizens were respected during law enforcement.
The companies involved sought to distance themselves from the arrests.
- LG Energy Solution said 47 of its employees, including 46 South Koreans, were detained, while most of the remaining arrests involved workers employed by contractors. The firm announced a temporary suspension of non-essential business trips to the U.S.
- Hyundai stated that none of the individuals detained was directly employed by the automaker.
Schrank revealed that those arrested included people who had entered the U.S. illegally, overstayed visas, or violated visa restrictions that prohibited employment.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, and safeguarding workers from exploitation,” Schrank said.
The $4.3 billion Georgia plant is being built to supply batteries for electric vehicles and is central to South Korea’s push to expand investment in the U.S. President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea pledged $350 billion in American investments during a July meeting with Trump.
Trump, responding to questions at the White House, said: “They were illegal aliens, and ICE was just doing its job.”
The arrests come as Seoul grapples with balancing its economic partnership with Washington and addressing mounting concerns over the treatment of its citizens abroad.
