Federal agents conducted a large-scale raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia on Thursday, detaining 475 workers, primarily South Korean nationals. This operation is one of the largest single-site enforcement actions in the history of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The raid is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to crack down on undocumented labor.

The facility, which is a key site for electric vehicle battery production, has been promoted by state officials as Georgia's largest economic development project. Video footage released by ICE showed agents arriving in armored vehicles and directing workers to line up outside the plant. Some detainees were seen being frisked and shackled, while others were placed in plastic restraints as they boarded a bus for transport to an immigration detention center near the Florida state line.

Among those detained, more than 300 were South Korean nationals. Many worked for HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, which is set to begin operations next year. Others were employed by contractors at the construction site. Steven Schrank, the lead agent for Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, stated that some detainees had crossed the U.S. border illegally, while others had entered legally but had expired visas or were on visa waivers that prohibited employment.

An immigration attorney representing two of the detained workers claimed that his clients arrived under a visa waiver program that allows for short stays for tourism or business. Attorney Charles Kuck noted that one client had been in the U.S. for two weeks, while the other had been there for about 45 days, both planning to return to South Korea soon. Additionally, one detainee was a lawful permanent resident with a prior criminal record involving firearms and drugs.

Hyundai Motors announced it would investigate its suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with regulations. As of now, none of the detained workers have been charged with any crimes, and the investigation is ongoing. Family members of the detainees are reportedly struggling to locate their loved ones and understand how to communicate with them.

The South Korean government has expressed significant concern regarding the operation. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that the government is forming a response team and may send officials to Washington if necessary. "I am deeply concerned. I feel heavy responsibility for the arrests of our citizens," Cho said during an emergency meeting.

This crackdown could potentially strain relations between the Trump administration and South Korea, a vital ally and investor. The two nations have been negotiating a trade deal involving $350 billion in South Korean investments in the U.S. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo urged U.S. officials to ensure that the rights of South Korean citizens and companies are respected during law enforcement actions.

When asked about the raid, President Trump remarked, "I would say that they were illegal aliens and ICE was just doing its job."

The raid followed a months-long investigation into allegations of illegal hiring practices at the site. Agents sought various employment records, timecards, and visual documentation of workers. Hyundai Motor Group began manufacturing electric vehicles at the $7.6 billion plant last year, which currently employs around 1,200 people. The population of Bryan County, where the plant is located, has seen significant growth, with the Asian demographic increasing from 1.5% in 2018 to 2.2% in 2023, primarily among individuals of Indian descent. In response to the raid, LG Energy Solution announced it would suspend most business trips to the U.S.