News Summary
A recent immigration raid at a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Georgia led to the detention of around 475 individuals, predominantly South Korean nationals. The operation, the largest in ICE’s history, has raised concerns over human rights violations and potential impacts on U.S.-South Korea relations. Following the detainment, a repatriation plan was initiated for many detainees. Business leaders in Georgia are worried about the potential negative effect on the economy, particularly given the importance of the Hyundai Metaplant. Local activists are calling for more support for those affected by the raid.
Savannah, Georgia – An immigration raid conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Hyundai manufacturing facility near Savannah on September 4 led to the detention of approximately 475 individuals, marking it as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the agency’s history. Most of the detainees were South Korean nationals, with over 300 among those held, reflecting a significant impact on the South Korean community.
Following the raid, the detainees were held at an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia, for several days before many were released. South Korea arranged for a plane to repatriate the individuals, resulting in the return of 316 Koreans, along with 10 Chinese nationals, three Japanese nationals, and one Indonesian. The release process was conducted without handcuffs to alleviate potential trauma for those involved, a concern widely reported in South Korea.
The incident has generated outrage within South Korea, raising alarms about possible human rights violations. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed apprehensions regarding the potential for decreased investment from companies into the U.S. as a consequence of the raid. Concerns regarding the visa status of foreign workers were echoed by Georgia business leaders, who highlighted the impact such detentions could have on the state’s economy, particularly given the importance of the Hyundai manufacturing site, known as the Hyundai Metaplant.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has indicated that he does not foresee significant repercussions for businesses in the state following the raid. He mentioned having communicated with the White House regarding the situation, reinforcing the state’s intention to maintain strong ties with South Korea. The incident, however, has heightened tensions in U.S.-South Korea relations, as experts caution that it may deter future investments from South Korean companies.
The raid was said to be part of a meticulous investigation into alleged illegal hiring practices at the facility, which is under construction as a joint venture with LG Energy Solution. Many of those detained were reported to have been skilled construction workers and engineers crucial to the ongoing development of the Hyundai battery plant, which is expected to significantly boost the Georgia economy by creating thousands of jobs.
Local community activists have raised concerns regarding the psychological impact of the detention on families, urging for more support for those affected. Reports surfaced of individuals attempting to evade capture during the raid, with some even jumping into a sewage pond. The operation involved authorities from the Homeland Security Investigations agency alongside local law enforcement.
The U.S. government has acknowledged that some of the detained individuals had either illegally crossed the border or overstayed their visas while others were working under prohibited conditions. In light of the incident, calls have emerged advocating for the establishment of a separate visa category for South Korean workers, aiming to facilitate trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The Hyundai Metaplant is integral to Georgia’s economic strategy, part of a broader initiative involving several major South Korean entities investing in the U.S. Despite the recent challenges presented by the raid, state officials have emphasized their commitment to working collaboratively with the Republic of Korea moving forward.
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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.
