A sweeping immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will postpone its launch by at least two months. The company confirmed the delay after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid heightens diplomatic tensions
The raid has deepened strains between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers came from South Korea. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage foreign companies from investing in the United States.
South Korean officials explained that many employees were sent temporarily to support the start of the new factory. Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz told American outlets the raid will delay the opening by two to three months because workers now want to return home.
record-breaking us immigration operation
The Georgia raid became the largest immigration sweep in American history. Authorities detained 475 people, including around 300 South Koreans. US immigration officials said the workers lacked legal authorization to work in the country. South Korean officials countered that sending workers abroad to launch factories is standard practice.
Officials in Seoul confirmed that the workers are scheduled to return on Friday. Their flight was initially booked for Wednesday but delayed. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung said Donald Trump suggested the workers remain to train American staff. Only one agreed.
hyundai searches for replacements
José Muñoz said Hyundai is now working on ways to replace the staff who plan to return home. The company stressed none of the detained people were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which operates the Georgia battery plant alongside Hyundai, said many of its workers detained in the raid held various visas or entered under the visa waiver programme.
investment deal under scrutiny
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned that stricter rules could make building factories in the United States more difficult. He added such conditions may lead companies to question whether large investments remain worthwhile.
The raid has raised doubts about a trade deal sealed earlier this year. Donald Trump promised to reduce tariff threats in exchange for billions of dollars in new South Korean investment.
Hyundai alone committed $26 billion, including a steel plant in Louisiana. Trump celebrated that project as part of his broader push to revive American manufacturing with foreign capital.
largest development project in georgia
The raided plant is part of a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The project is set to create 8,500 jobs and has been described as the most significant economic development in the state’s history.
