Major Immigration Raid at Hyundai Electric Vehicle Plant

News Summary

A significant federal investigation into illegal employment practices culminated in an immigration raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant, resulting in the detention of over 475 workers. The operation, involving multiple federal agencies, aimed to uncover unlawful hiring practices at the HL-GA Battery Company. Most detained individuals held various nationalities, sparking concerns over employment legality and workplace safety at the facility. Georgia state officials reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing labor laws, while the South Korean government expressed disappointment regarding the situation affecting its citizens.

Savannah, Georgia – A federal investigation into illegal employment practices led to a significant immigration raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant, resulting in over 475 workers being detained. The operation, named “Operation Low Voltage,” was executed by federal agents at the HL-GA Battery Company, a collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and LG, as they sought evidence related to unlawful hiring practices.

The raid, which took place at the Hyundai Metaplant, brought together ten federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the IRS’s criminal investigation unit. Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, confirmed that this is the largest single-site enforcement operation ever conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

During the operation, more than 475 individuals were detained, with over 300 of them reportedly being of Korean nationality. Authorities were looking for employment records from the lithium battery factory and five identified subcontractors. The warrant, which prompted the raid, pointed toward possible immigration violations associated with these workers, some of whom had crossed the U.S. border illegally, while others had entered the country with expired visas or under visa waivers that prohibited employment.

The majority of those detained were taken to the Folkston Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, located in Charlton County. Among the detainees were foreign nationals from several countries including Guatemala, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, and Mexico. Notably, many of the Koreans apprehended were reportedly on business trips and held valid visas for training purposes.

The Hyundai Metaplant was anticipated to create over 8,000 jobs with an average salary of around $58,000, thanks to Georgia’s investment incentives. However, as of March 2025, the facility had only employed 1,200 workers, excluding Koreans, and was operating with just one shift while still under construction. Following the raid, construction activities at the plant have been halted to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

State officials in Georgia have reaffirmed their dedication to enforcing the rule of law for all businesses operating within the state, emphasizing compliance with legal standards. The South Korean government has expressed grave concerns and disappointment over the incident, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the rights of its citizens are respected in the face of U.S. legal enforcement actions.

The operation’s complexity is highlighted by the months of evidence gathering preceding the raid, which indicates a thorough investigation rather than a mere immigration effort. Additionally, there have been reports surrounding safety practices at the Metaplant, including workplace fatalities and injuries, posing significant concerns about operational safety. One incident involved the tragic death of a Korean technical worker.

In response to the ongoing federal scrutiny, Hyundai Motor Group has announced that Chief Manufacturing Officer Chris Susock would oversee the entire electric vehicle site. The company has committed to conducting its own investigation to ensure that all suppliers and subcontractors comply with U.S. laws and regulations. As developments unfold, all eyes remain on the implications this immigration raid holds for Hyundai’s operations in Georgia and its broader economic ties with South Korea.

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