300 South Koreans Held at Hyundai Facility in U.S. Set for Release, Says Seoul
Victoria Bekiempis
South Korea confirmed on Sunday that approximately 300 of its citizens detained during an enforcement operation in Georgia would be released and returned home. The sudden detention of workers seemed to test the diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Nearly 500 workers, including at least 300 South Koreans and 23 Mexicans, were taken into custody at a Hyundai-LG battery facility in Ellabell on Thursday.
Authorities shared video footage of the operation, showing detained workers, restrained with handcuffs and ankle chains, being led onto buses. The incident represented the largest single-site enforcement action conducted as part of nationwide efforts to address immigration violations.
"Through prompt and coordinated efforts, discussions regarding the workers' release have reached a resolution," said Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to South Korea’s president Lee Jae Myung. "Only final administrative steps remain. Once completed, a chartered flight will depart to repatriate our citizens," he added.
An LG representative, Kim Ki-soo, traveled to Georgia to help mitigate the situation. "Our foremost priority is the quick release of all affected individuals, including our employees and those from partner firms," Ki-soo was quoted as saying before departure.
Foreign Firms Urged to Follow Immigration Laws After Hyundai Facility Enforcement
Donald Trump emphasized that foreign companies operating in the U.S. must comply with immigration regulations and prioritize American workers. The statement followed an enforcement action at a Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia, where around 300 South Koreans were among nearly 500 individuals detained.
Video released by authorities showed workers restrained with handcuffs and ankle chains as they were escorted onto buses. The operation was noted as the largest of its kind under nationwide immigration enforcement efforts.
"Foreign businesses investing in the United States must adhere to our immigration laws," Trump stated in a Sunday post. "We welcome investments and encourage the legal entry of skilled individuals, but we also expect firms to employ and train American workers," he added.
He made these remarks shortly after telling reporters he would review the incident but assured it had not affected relations with South Korea.
Separately, Hyundai Motor reportedly advised staff planning non-essential trips to the U.S. to postpone them.
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