SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — More than 300 South Korean workers detained following a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will be released and brought home, the South Korean government announced Sunday.
Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, stated that negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. for the workers' release have been finalized. A charter plane is expected to transport the workers as soon as all administrative steps are completed.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to fly to the U.S. on Monday to discuss the arrangements for the workers' release, as reported by South Korean media.
During the raid last week, U.S. immigration authorities apprehended 475 individuals, most of whom were South Korean nationals. Agents from several federal agencies executed the operation at Hyundai's busy manufacturing site where the company is partnering with LG Energy Solution to produce electric vehicle batteries.
More than 300 South Koreans were among those detained, a situation that has shocked many in South Korea due to its status as a key U.S. ally.
President Lee has emphasized the need to ensure that the rights of South Korean citizens and the economic activities of South Korean firms are not unduly affected by U.S. law enforcement actions. The South Korean Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the incident and deployed diplomats to the scene.
Video released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed federal agents directing workers to line up outside the plant, with some being frisked and handcuffed. The majority of detainees were moved to a facility in Folkston, Georgia, where they await potential charges.
Agents indicated that some individuals had illegally crossed the U.S. border, while others may have entered with expired visas or under visa waivers that barred employment.
Kang announced plans for South Korea to review and improve its visa processes for business travelers to the United States in light of these events.
