South Korea's government has announced it has concluded negotiations with the United States to secure the release of its citizens detained during a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the South Korean president, indicated that a chartered aircraft would be dispatched to bring the detainees home once necessary administrative processes are completed.
The raid conducted by US officials resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, over 300 of whom are South Korean nationals, accused of working illegally at the facility—one of the largest foreign investments in Georgia. The South Korean authorities are reportedly working on improving the visa system to avoid similar incidents in the future.
US officials defended the operation, stating that it targeted illegal workers operating under unauthorised visas. President Donald Trump remarked that the detention was in line with standard immigration enforcement practices and dismissed concerns that it might negatively impact foreign investment.
Video footage from the operation showed shackled workers at the Hyundai facility, raising alarms over the conditions of the detained individuals. The company involved, LG Energy Solution—a partner with Hyundai—reported that many employees detained were on business-related trips and prompted immediate changes to its travel policies in response.
The raid coincides with ongoing sensitive trade talks between the US and South Korea, leading to apprehensions in Seoul about its implications on bilateral relations and investment opportunities. The South Korean government views the incident as a significant shock, underlining the need to protect their workers and businesses operating abroad.
The raid conducted by US officials resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, over 300 of whom are South Korean nationals, accused of working illegally at the facility—one of the largest foreign investments in Georgia. The South Korean authorities are reportedly working on improving the visa system to avoid similar incidents in the future.
US officials defended the operation, stating that it targeted illegal workers operating under unauthorised visas. President Donald Trump remarked that the detention was in line with standard immigration enforcement practices and dismissed concerns that it might negatively impact foreign investment.
Video footage from the operation showed shackled workers at the Hyundai facility, raising alarms over the conditions of the detained individuals. The company involved, LG Energy Solution—a partner with Hyundai—reported that many employees detained were on business-related trips and prompted immediate changes to its travel policies in response.
The raid coincides with ongoing sensitive trade talks between the US and South Korea, leading to apprehensions in Seoul about its implications on bilateral relations and investment opportunities. The South Korean government views the incident as a significant shock, underlining the need to protect their workers and businesses operating abroad.
