SEOUL, September 7, 2025 — South Korea has reached an agreement with the United States to secure the release and repatriation of more than 300 South Korean workers detained during a massive U.S. immigration enforcement raid at a Hyundai manufacturing plant in Georgia.
On Thursday, federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a total of 475 immigrants suspected of living and working illegally in the U.S. The raid targeted a sprawling Hyundai automobile and battery manufacturing site in Ellabell, Georgia, where South Korean companies Hyundai Motor Company and LG Energy Solution are involved in constructing an electric vehicle plant.
The South Korean government confirmed that over 300 of those detained were its citizens employed either directly or through subcontractors at the site. Seoul’s presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, announced on Sunday that negotiations with the U.S. on the workers’ release had been finalized. The detained workers are expected to return to South Korea once the remaining administrative procedures are completed, with plans for a charter plane to bring them home in the coming days.
“The South Korean government will remain vigilant and take full responsibility to ensure the safe return of its citizens,” Kang told senior lawmakers and cabinet officials. The Foreign Ministry of South Korea had previously expressed “concern and regret” about the raid, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers’ rights and welfare.
Immigration officials said many of those detained had entered the United States illegally or had overstayed their visas. Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, stated that some workers had unlawfully crossed the U.S. border, while others had expired visas or were on visa waivers prohibiting employment. He noted that workers were employed by various subcontractors on the construction project, which has been paused following the raid.
Hyundai Motor Company emphasized in a statement that none of the detained were directly employed by the automaker. The company reaffirmed its commitment to comply with all applicable laws and prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working at its sites.
This incident comes at a sensitive time amid increased U.S.-South Korea industrial cooperation. Earlier in the year, South Korea pledged billions of dollars in new investments in the U.S. manufacturing sector as part of an expanded trade deal. President Lee Jae Myung’s administration is intent on facilitating smooth bilateral relations and resolving issues involving labor and immigration.
The large-scale immigration crackdown echoes a trend of heightened enforcement operations seen over recent years across various U.S. industries. While Hyundai’s project in Georgia represents a cornerstone for South Korean industrial expansion in the U.S., the raid underscores the complex challenges in regulating labor and immigration status amid multinational investments.
As talks conclude, South Korean authorities will continue liaison with U.S. counterparts to support affected workers and prevent future disruptions, while advocating for the protection of overseas workers’ rights. The repatriation process is expected to take place promptly, reflecting the progress achieved in diplomatic engagement following the raid.