Authorities conducted a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Ellabell, Georgia, resulting in the arrest of 475 workers, mainly South Korean citizens. This operation, described by U.S. officials as the largest-ever enforcement action by the Department of Homeland Security at a single location, unfolded on March 14, 2024. The raid targeted a construction site for an electric vehicle battery plant, and was the culmination of months of investigation into the employment status of the workers.
Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia, Steven Schrank, stated during a press conference that many of those arrested were either in the United States illegally or working unlawfully. While no criminal charges were announced immediately, investigations were ongoing to clarify the employment details of those detained, some of whom were employed by subcontractors. Schrank emphasized that the operation aimed to ensure “a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law.”
Most arrested individuals were transferred to the Folkston detention facility in Georgia. The battery manufacturer, LG Energy Solution, which co-owns the plant with Hyundai Motor Group, confirmed that its employees and those from partnering companies were detained. Hyundai stated that it was unaware of any Hyundai employees being among those arrested, and that it was closely monitoring the situation.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry acknowledged that South Koreans were among those taken into custody, although they did not specify how many. During the raid, some U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents were also detained but later released, according to Schrank.
Immigration attorney Charles Kuck reported that two of his clients, who were in the U.S. under a visa waiver program, were caught in the raid. “My clients were doing exactly what they were allowed to do under the visa waiver — attend business meetings,” Kuck explained, indicating that the actions of immigration officials may have been overly aggressive in this instance.
The response from the local community has been one of shock and concern. James Woo, communications director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Atlanta, noted that the Korean community in Savannah is small and lacks the resources to assist those affected. “People don’t know where to go, or how to find legal representation,” he added.
This immigration operation is part of broader enforcement actions under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The raid coincided with a recent meeting between President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, during which Lee pledged to invest an additional $150 billion in the United States, including in battery manufacturing. When asked whether he was concerned about the potential clash between his immigration agenda and economic goals, Trump defended the actions of immigration officials, stating, “They came through illegally. They came into our country. So we have to do our job.”
The lithium-ion battery plant, known as HL-GA Battery Co., is expected to begin operations next year. The facility represents a significant investment, with an estimated cost of $7.6 billion, touted as Georgia’s largest economic development project to date. The immigration raid has temporarily halted construction at the site, with spokesperson Mary Beth Kennedy confirming the plant’s cooperation with authorities.
Legal experts point to the challenges posed by the U.S. visa system. Korean lawyer Jongwon Lee highlighted the difficulties South Korean companies face in obtaining proper visas for trained workers essential for their operations. “The United States invited us to invest in the U.S., but they don’t give Koreans proper visas,” he remarked.
Local political figures have spoken out against the raid. State Representative Sam Park characterized the operation as a “politically motivated attack,” asserting that it undermines the efforts to build a clean energy future and disrupts families in the community.
As the situation continues to unfold, South Korean Embassy officials have been dispatched to the site to ensure the rights and interests of their citizens are protected during U.S. law enforcement actions. LG Energy Solution is working with the South Korean government to facilitate the release of its employees and those from partnering companies who were detained.