Noem Asserts Hyundai Raid in Georgia Will Not Deter U.S. Investment Despite Diplomatic Strain
The recent immigration enforcement action at Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia, which resulted in the detention of nearly 500 workers—over 300 of whom are South Korean nationals—has drawn significant international attention but, according to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, will not deter investment in the United States.
The enforcement operation, conducted on September 4, 2025, marks the largest-ever single-site immigration raid in U.S. history. Federal agents arrested approximately 475 workers at the plant, operated by the South Korean automaker Hyundai, a company heavily invested in the site as part of a $12 billion economic deal with the state of Georgia.
Noem addressed concerns about the impact of the raid on foreign investment during a meeting of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing partnership ministers in London, assuring that the enforcement actions underscore clarity and consistency in U.S. immigration policies rather than creating uncertainty. She emphasized that companies are encouraged to hire U.S. citizens and bring in workers who comply fully with American laws.
“This is a great opportunity for us to make sure that all companies are reassured that when you come to the United States, you’ll know what the rules of the game are,” Noem said. “We’re encouraging all companies who want to come to the United States and help our economy and employ people, that we encourage them to employ U.S. citizens and to bring people to our country that want to follow our laws and work here the right way.”
The detained South Korean workers reportedly were mostly held for ignoring removal orders, with only a few facing charges for additional criminal activities, which Noem stated will result in consequences. Following the raid, South Korea’s government expressed concern and regret, dispatching diplomats to the site and arranging for the repatriation of some workers. More than 300 South Korean detainees are expected to be released and flown back to their home country.
Civil rights organizations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, have criticized the raid’s scale and execution. Meredyth Yoon, the organization’s litigation director, characterized the operation as “abusive,” citing accounts of workers being shackled and some subjected to tear gas. The detainees are currently held at a detention center operated by GEO Group in Georgia, which recently faced scrutiny for not meeting federal safety standards.
The raid has raised diplomatic tensions between the United States and South Korea, a key ally and trade partner. Hyundai is at the center of a historic bilateral economic relationship that involves multibillion-dollar investments and trade agreements. South Korean politicians have condemned the immigration raid, viewing it as damaging to the ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
The enforcement action occurred amidst broader government efforts to tackle illegal migration and strengthen border security, issues addressed by the “Five Eyes” ministers during their meeting with the newly appointed U.K. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
As the situation develops, the intersection of immigration enforcement and international economic relations remains under close scrutiny by governments, businesses, and civil society groups alike.