US disapproval of Hyundai arrest video publicization by South Korea labeled as 'regrettable' during trade negotiations
In a shocking turn of events, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid on a Hyundai factory in Savannah, Georgia, leading to the arrest of 475 workers, including over 300 Koreans. This incident, described as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of the US Department of Homeland Security, has sparked diplomatic concerns and alarm from US lawmakers.
The arrests, which occurred on Thursday, were followed by the release of a video and photos of workers shackled after the raid by US immigration officials. South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister, Park Yoon-joo, expressed regret over the timing of the incident and asked for a fair and swift resolution.
The South Korean government has taken swift action in response to the arrests. President Lee has ordered a swift, all-out response, as stated by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. LG Energy Solution, another major South Korean company with operations in Georgia, has asked employees to return from US business trips and suspended travel to the United States except for customer meetings.
Kang Hong-seok, the chief of the President’s office of South Korea, has been sent to Georgia to ensure the detained workers' swift and safe release. Similarly, Hyundai Motor has sent a human resources executive to Georgia for the same purpose. The company has also announced it will investigate its suppliers and their subcontractors to ensure they meet regulations.
The incident could potentially damage the relationship between the US and South Korea, especially as both nations are trying to complete a trade deal after a summit between their leaders. South Korea's foreign ministry expressed concern that the incident occurred at a critical time when the momentum of trust and cooperation between the two leaders must be maintained.
Park stated that the economic activities of South Korean companies in the US and the rights and interests of their citizens should not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement. US lawmakers from Georgia and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus have expressed similar concerns, stating that the Trump administration is targeting immigrants at work and in communities of colour to meet its mass deportation quotas.
The US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, was contacted by South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister, Park Yoon-joo, regarding the incident. President Trump, when asked about the raid, referred to the workers as "illegal aliens" and stated that ICE was just doing its job.
Two workers were reported to have hidden in a pond before they were arrested during the raid. The video and photos of the raid showed hundreds of workers standing in front of a building, some wearing yellow vests with the names "Hyundai" or "LG CNS."
This incident underscores the complexities of immigration enforcement and its potential impact on international relations. As both countries work towards strengthening their economic ties, the resolution of this issue will be crucial in maintaining the positive momentum between the US and South Korea.
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