A record-breaking immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will delay its opening by at least two months. The company confirmed the setback after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid escalates diplomatic tensions
The raid has increased friction between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers were South Korean nationals. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage foreign investment in the United States.
South Korean officials said the workers were sent temporarily to help launch the new plant. Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz told American media the raid will delay operations by two to three months because many workers now intend to return home.
largest US immigration operation
The Georgia raid became the largest immigration operation in American history. Authorities detained 475 people, including about 300 South Koreans. US officials said the workers lacked legal authorization to work. South Korean officials countered that sending staff abroad to establish factories is standard practice for Korean companies.
Officials in Seoul confirmed the workers are scheduled to fly home on Friday. Their departure had been planned for Wednesday but was postponed. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung said Donald Trump suggested the workers remain in the United States to continue training American staff. Only one accepted.
Hyundai works on staffing replacements
José Muñoz said Hyundai is exploring ways to replace employees returning to South Korea. The company emphasized that none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which operates the Georgia battery plant with Hyundai, said many detained employees held visas or entered under the visa waiver programme.
investment commitments face uncertainty
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned stricter rules could complicate factory construction in the United States. He said companies may reconsider whether major investments remain worthwhile.
The raid has also raised questions about a trade deal agreed earlier this year. Donald Trump pledged to ease tariff threats in exchange for billions of dollars in South Korean investment.
Hyundai alone committed $26 billion, including a steel plant in Louisiana. Trump celebrated the project as part of his strategy to revive US manufacturing with foreign capital.
Georgia project expected to create thousands of jobs
The raided facility is part of a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The development is expected to generate 8,500 jobs and has been described as the largest economic project in the state’s history.
