Hyundai-LG Battery Plant Under Raid; Over 475 Workers Detained for Alleged Illegal Employment practices
In a significant development, around 475 individuals, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals, were detained in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia. This was the largest single-site raid carried out so far by Homeland Security Investigations.
The operation, which was not an immigration operation but a multi-month criminal investigation, targeted allegations of unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes at the plant. The individuals detained during the raid have been turned over to ICE for potential removal.
The majority of those arrested were South Koreans suspected of working in the United States illegally. Hyundai, one of the key investors in the plant, has stated that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company. However, the majority of the arrested workers were employed by Hyundai and its subcontractors.
South Korea, Asia's fourth biggest economy, has invested billions of dollars to build factories in America to access the US market and avoid tariff threats. This investment, which includes a pledge of $350 billion made by President Lee Jae Myung during his meeting with President Donald Trump last month, is aimed at reviving the manufacturing sector in the United States, as pledged by President Trump.
LG Energy Solution, the other major player at the plant, is gathering all relevant details and has pledged to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities. South Korea has expressed concern and regret over the raid and urged Washington to respect the rights of its citizens.
The arrests were part of President Trump's nationwide anti-migrant drive. Some of those detained illegally crossed the US border, others arrived with visas that prohibited them from working, and others overstayed their work visas. The operation at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia was a commitment to protect jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensure a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguard the integrity of the economy, and protect workers from exploitation.
Around 300 South Korean nationals were reportedly detained in connection with this raid, although the breakdown of employment status among those arrested (Hyundai, LG, or subcontractors) was not disclosed by Homeland Security Investigations.
This incident underscores the complexities of immigration and labour laws in the United States and the challenges faced by multinational corporations operating in the country. It also highlights the need for clear and fair policies that protect the rights of workers while ensuring compliance with the law.
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