Historical ICE raid in Georgia

In Georgia, a large-scale immigration raid unfolded at one of the state’s most ambitious manufacturing ventures—a sprawling EV production site operated by Hyundai. Federal agents detained approximately 475 individuals, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals. Homeland Security Investigations’ Steven Schrank announced at a Friday briefing that this action marks the largest ever single-site enforcement operation conducted by his agency.

This raid stems from a months-long criminal investigation that was triggered by tips from community members and former workers. Authorities executed a judge-approved search warrant targeting unscrupulous hiring and employment practices linked to a network of subcontractors active on the site’s construction zone. Many of those detained had violated work-related visa requirements—some entered illegally, others overstayed visas, and still others were in the U.S. under visa waivers that explicitly forbid employment.

During the raid, some workers attempted dramatic getaways, including fleeing into a sewage pond. Agents had to deploy a boat to retrieve them; one individual even tried to overturn the rescue vessel but was unsuccessful.

Hyundai and its partner LG Energy Solution—collaborating through the HL‑GA Battery joint venture on a battery facility adjacent to the existing EV plant—insist none of the detainees were on their direct payroll. Both companies say they are cooperating fully with investigators, and are reviewing internal contracting and compliance processes.

Despite the raid, operations at the existing Hyundai EV plant continued uninterrupted—production and office activities proceeded as usual, though construction on the battery plant was paused.

On the diplomatic front, South Korea reacted with concern and regret. President Lee Jae Myung mobilized efforts to support deported citizens, including dispatching diplomats from Washington and Atlanta and establishing an on-site response team. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that Korean business interests and nationals’ rights must not be unfairly compromised during U.S. law enforcement actions.

Politically, the raid reflects the Trump administration’s hardline immigration agenda, reinforced by a broad campaign targeting unauthorized workers across various industries. It also sharpened tensions with Seoul, particularly given Hyundai’s significant investments in the U.S.—highlighted by a recent pledge of billions in development and job creation.

Source: wrdw