A historic immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will delay its opening by at least two months. The company confirmed the setback after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid escalates diplomatic tensions
The raid has heightened strains between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers were South Korean nationals. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage foreign investment in the United States.
South Korean officials said the workers were sent temporarily to assist in launching the new plant. Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz told American media the raid will delay operations by two to three months because many workers now plan to return home.
largest us immigration sweep
The Georgia raid marked the largest immigration sweep in US history. Authorities detained 475 people, including roughly 300 South Koreans. US officials said the workers lacked legal authorization to work. South Korean officials countered that sending staff abroad to help set up factories is standard practice for Korean companies.
Officials in Seoul confirmed the workers are scheduled to fly home on Friday. Their departure had been planned for Wednesday but was postponed. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung said Donald Trump proposed the workers remain in the United States to continue training American staff. Only one accepted the offer.
hyundai works on staffing solutions
José Muñoz said Hyundai is exploring ways to replace staff returning to South Korea. The company emphasized that none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which operates the Georgia battery plant with Hyundai, said many detained employees held visas or entered under the visa waiver programme.
investment pledges face uncertainty
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned stricter rules could complicate building factories in the United States. He said companies might begin questioning whether such investments remain worthwhile.
The raid has also cast doubt on a trade deal agreed earlier this year. Donald Trump pledged to ease tariff threats in exchange for billions of dollars in South Korean investment.
Hyundai alone promised $26 billion, including a steel plant in Louisiana. Trump celebrated the project as part of his effort to revive US manufacturing with foreign investment.
georgia project expected to create thousands of jobs
The raided facility is part of a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The project is expected to generate 8,500 jobs and has been described as the largest economic development in the state’s history.
