News Summary
U.S. immigration authorities conducted a large-scale raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing site in Georgia, detaining approximately 450 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally. The operation affected the adjacent HL-GA Battery Company’s construction. Hyundai confirmed that its vehicle production remained unaffected, but the raid has sparked concerns both domestically and from the South Korean government, which is seeking to protect the rights of its nationals. The incident highlights ongoing immigration issues and their impact on the electric vehicle industry in the region.
Savannah, Georgia – U.S. immigration authorities conducted a significant raid on Thursday at Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing site, which has also halted construction on an adjacent battery factory. The operation took place at one of the state’s largest manufacturing sites, which is considered the most extensive economic development project in Georgia’s history, amounting to a substantial investment of $7.6 billion.
The raid targeted a sprawling 3,000-acre area located west of Savannah, Georgia. Federal authorities focused primarily on the construction site of the HL-GA Battery Company, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, with plans to open next year. Approximately 450 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally were detained during the operation, making it one of the largest immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.
To facilitate the operation, Georgia State Patrol troopers were deployed to block roads leading to the Hyundai site. Videos from the scene revealed that agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) informed on-site workers of their search warrant and instructed them to cease construction immediately. Fortunately, Hyundai confirmed that there was no disruption to operations at its electric vehicle manufacturing plant, stating that production and office hours proceeded as usual.
This immigration crackdown is consistent with previous large-scale operations initiated by the Trump administration, which aimed to enforce strict immigration policies and address unlawful employment practices. Reports indicate that during the first half of the year, the U.S. labor force experienced a loss of over 1.2 million immigrants, including both undocumented and legal residents, according to data from the Pew Research Center.
As of now, HSI has not shared detailed information regarding the ongoing investigation, which is supported by multiple federal law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Labor and the FBI. The focus remains on alleged unlawful employment practices at the construction site. Despite the raiding activity, HSI asserted that lawful employees and U.S. citizens were released during the operation.
The construction site is significant for the future of electric vehicle production in Georgia. Hyundai’s manufacturing facility began producing electric vehicles last year and has provided employment for approximately 1,200 people. As part of this economic initiative, the HL-GA Battery Company’s development is crucial for supplying batteries to the vehicle assembly line, further enhancing Georgia’s role in the electric vehicle market.
The South Korean government has expressed concern over the raid, particularly regarding the detention of several South Korean nationals. They emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of their citizens involved in the incident. In response to the raid, Hyundai and its construction partner have agreed to pause operations at the battery factory to cooperate with authorities, but no additional information has been released by either company.
In summary, the immigration raid at the Hyundai manufacturing site represents a substantial moment in the enforcement of immigration policies in the U.S., alongside the broader implications for the electric vehicle industry in Georgia. The operation underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and labor issues, while also spotlighting the significance of the electric vehicle sector as it continues to grow.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News
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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
