Massive Immigration Raid at Hyundai-LG EV Plant in Georgia Sparks Concerns Among Foreign Investors in the US
On September 4, 2025, American law enforcement agencies executed the largest immigration enforcement operation ever conducted at a single location by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Approximately 475 workers were detained at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility in Ellabell, Bryan County, Georgia. This plant, a major electric vehicle (EV) production site, represents a joint venture between South Korean automotive giant Hyundai Motor and electronics manufacturer LG Energy Solution.
The Hyundai-LG joint venture, announced in 2023, is a $4.3 billion investment aimed at producing EV battery cells in the United States. Both Hyundai and LG hold equal 50% stakes in the facility, highlighting the strategic importance of the plant in the rapidly growing EV market.
Details of the Raid
The raid led to the detention of over 300 South Korean citizens along with other workers, causing significant diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Korea. The South Korean government responded swiftly, expressing “concern and regret” over the operation, emphasizing the negative impact it could have on bilateral relations.
United States officials emphasized that the raid was part of enforcement actions targeting undocumented workers and ensuring compliance with employment eligibility laws. Nonetheless, the scale of the operation and the detention of a large number of foreign nationals working at a high-profile joint venture drew widespread attention and criticism.
Impact on Foreign Investment
The immigration raid has amplified alarm among foreign companies operating in the United States, especially those with significant investments from South Korea. Political leaders in South Korea questioned the environment for overseas investment in the US following the incident, with some expressing doubts about the stability of the business climate in light of aggressive immigration enforcement actions.
Business analysts suggest the raid could have ripple effects on US efforts to attract substantial foreign investment in emerging industries like EV manufacturing. Hyundai-LG’s plant is seen as a critical node in both US and South Korean ambitions to scale up clean energy and vehicle electrification technologies.
Broader Context and Reactions
This incident is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny faced by foreign companies over workforce compliance issues in the US. Immigration enforcement agencies have increased their operations targeting undocumented workers across multiple industries. However, applying such enforcement in large-scale foreign joint ventures like Hyundai-LG’s EV plant raises questions about how immigration laws intersect with international business relationships.
Advocates for foreign investment urge policymakers to balance immigration enforcement with cultivating a welcoming environment for international partnerships focused on innovation and economic growth.
For Hyundai and LG, managing the fallout of this raid will be pivotal in shaping their future operational strategies in the US. Both companies are expected to work closely with the South Korean government and US authorities to resolve outstanding issues and ensure compliance moving forward.