Large-Scale Operation at Hyundai Plant
U.S. immigration authorities detained at least 450 individuals during a raid on the new Hyundai electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Georgia. The Atlanta office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed the detention of hundreds of “illegal immigrants,” however, South Korea expressed concern over reports that among those detained are 30 citizens of that country.
Joint Actions of Federal Agencies
ATF Atlanta reported that it joined forces with various federal organizations, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to carry out the operation on September 4th. The Department of Homeland Security noted that the search warrant was executed based on allegations of “illegal employment practices and other serious federal crimes.”
Today @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a large immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai battery plant mega-site in Bryan County, Georgia, resulting in the detention of approximately 450 illegal immigrants, underscoring our commitment to community safety.
Details of the Location and Reactions
The raid took place on a site worth $7.6 billion and spanning 3000 acres, which Hyundai opened near Savannah last year. Agents focused on the construction zone of the new battery manufacturing plant, scheduled to open in 2026. Hyundai claims the operation did not affect the adjacent electric vehicle plant, which is currently producing Ioniq 5 and 9 models.
While U.S. authorities have not released the names or details of the 450 detained individuals, Korean media report that 30 of them are Korean citizens, causing alarm among local legislators.
International Diplomatic Reaction
A spokesperson for South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “The economic activity of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens should not be unfairly violated during U.S. law enforcement operations.” According to BBC News, South Korea has dispatched diplomats to the scene.
President Trump has promised to deport illegal migrants during his 2024 election campaign, but has also stated that he welcomes foreign companies that establish manufacturing facilities in the U.S., as Hyundai has done.
This event occurs against the backdrop of a complex balance between ensuring national security, complying with immigration laws, and supporting international investments. The scale of the operation and the involvement of numerous federal agencies indicate a systematic approach to the issue of illegal labor, which could have significant implications for international corporations operating in the U.S. The response of the South Korean government highlights the diplomatic sensitivity of such matters, especially when citizens of other states investing in the American economy are involved.