US authorities detain 300 South Korean workers at a Hyundai construction site in the United States; potential deportation looms.
In a surprising turn of events, the United States Department of Homeland Security conducted the largest immigration and labor raid in its history at a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia. The operation, carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), resulted in the detainment of approximately 475 workers, with around 300 of them being South Korean citizens.
The raid took place just 10 days after a meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. The encounter, aimed at discussing new investments and strengthening business ties, seems to have been overshadowed by the subsequent events.
The arrests have sparked strong discontent in South Korea, particularly after the release of a video showing workers being led away in handcuffs with military vehicles on site. The First Vice Foreign Minister of South Korea, Park Yong-jun, expressed concerns, stating that economic activities of South Korean companies and the rights of its citizens should not be unfairly infringed upon during actions by U.S. authorities.
In response, the White House noted that inspections at construction sites and factories will continue, emphasizing that while investments in the U.S. are welcome, working in the U.S. must be done legally. Some detainees were found to be in the U.S. in violation of visa regulations, entering without work authorization, or having expired visas or lacking work permits.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, Cho Hyun, travelled to the U.S. on September 8 to address the aftermath of the mass arrest. Hyundai and LG have since suspended employee dispatch to the U.S. and begun recalling some staff due to the recent immigration raid. The detained South Koreans are expected to be repatriated on a chartered flight this week.
The investigation also involves subcontractors suspected of illegal hiring practices. U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that while investments in the U.S. are welcome, working in the U.S. must be done legally. The meeting between Moon Jae-in and Donald Trump had discussed strengthening business ties, a goal that now faces potential challenges due to the recent events.
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