South Korea's government says it has reached an agreement with the US to release its citizens detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
The chief of staff of South Korea's president stated a chartered plane would be sent to bring the detainees home once administrative procedures are completed.
Kang Hoon-sik mentioned efforts to improve the visa system to prevent such incidents in the future.
US officials detained 475 people during the raid, over 300 of whom were South Korean nationals, citing illegal work at the facility, which is one of the largest foreign investment projects in the state.
The White House has defended the operation, dismissing fears that the raid could deter foreign investment, asserting that enforcement was necessary to protect American jobs.
Video released by ICE showed detained workers shackled outside the plant, which is involved in making electric vehicles. Critics and media outlets in South Korea described the raid as shocking, warning of adverse impacts on business relations.
LG Energy Solution, operational partner in the Hyundai plant, stated many employees arrested were on business trips with various visas or under a visa waiver program, leading the company to suspend most US business trips.
The operation occurred amid sensitive trade discussions between the US and South Korea and has raised concerns about the visa allocations and the treatment of foreign workers.
