Targeted ICE Raid at Hyundai Plant in Georgia Results in Mass Detentions

Tue Sep 23 2025 17:09:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A large-scale ICE raid at a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Georgia led to the arrest of 475 individuals, predominantly South Korean workers on visitor visas, sparking concerns over immigration policies and international relations.

In a significant immigration enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 475 individuals, mostly South Korean nationals, at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. The raids highlighted issues surrounding visa regulations and raised tensions between the U.S. and South Korea as the latter called for the protection of its citizens' rights. Many detainees were reportedly working in violation of their visitor visas, while some claims of wrongful arrests have emerged.

The car workers arrested in one of the largest ever US workplace immigration raids had violated their visitor visas, officials say.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said 475 people, mostly South Korean citizens, were found to be illegally working at a Hyundai plant in Georgia on Thursday.

People on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the US, ICE explained, emphasizing that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs.

South Korea, whose companies have promised to invest billions of dollars in key US industries, has sent diplomats to Georgia and called for respect of its citizens' rights.

The detained workers are currently held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia.

Of the arrested, 300 are reported to be Korean nationals, with Hyundai stating that none were directly employed by them.

ICE characterized the raid as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, asserting that the individuals detained were working illegally.

However, immigration lawyer Charles Kuck reported that two of his clients, who were attending legitimate business meetings under a visa waiver program, were mistakenly caught in the operation.

ICE also confirmed the arrest of one individual who was a Mexican citizen and green card holder with a criminal history.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) emphasized the need for companies to comply with legal methods when bringing foreign workers to the US.

Following the raid, South Korea's foreign ministry expressed concern over the implications for the rights of Korean citizens.

President Trump defended the operation, stating, They were illegal aliens and ICE was just doing its job. The raid not only highlights issues related to immigration enforcement but also reflects the complexities of international relations and economic policies with South Korea.

The Hyundai plant, notable as the largest economic development project in Georgia's history, is a focal point for ongoing discussions about U.S. manufacturing and immigration priorities.

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