SEOUL, South Korea — The South Korean government announced on Sunday that it will repatriate more than 300 workers detained during a large immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, confirmed that negotiations between South Korea and the United States regarding the workers' release have been finalized.

A charter plane is expected to transport the workers back to South Korea once remaining administrative procedures are completed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is scheduled to travel to the U.S. on Monday for discussions related to the workers' release, according to South Korean media reports.

U.S. immigration authorities reported that 475 individuals were detained during the raid, which took place at Hyundai's manufacturing site in Georgia, where the company produces electric vehicles. The focus of the operation was a plant still under construction, where Hyundai collaborates with LG Energy Solution to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles.

Cho stated that over 300 of those detained were South Korean nationals. This raid is part of a series of workplace enforcement actions that have been conducted under the Trump administration's immigration policies. However, this particular operation stands out due to its scale and the significance of the site, which has been described as Georgia's largest economic development project.

The raid has raised concerns in South Korea, a key ally of the U.S. Earlier this year, South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in the U.S. and purchase $100 billion in U.S. energy. Approximately two weeks ago, President Trump and President Lee held their first meeting in Washington, where Lee emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of South Korean nationals and the economic activities of South Korean companies during U.S. law enforcement actions.

In response to the raid, South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed "concern and regret" and dispatched diplomats to the site. Video footage released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement showed federal agents directing workers to line up outside the facility. Some detainees were seen being frisked and shackled.

Most of the detained individuals were taken to an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia, located near the Florida state line. As of now, none of the detainees have been charged with any crimes. Steven Schrank, the lead agent for Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, stated that the investigation is ongoing. He noted that some of the detained workers had crossed the U.S. border illegally, while others had entered legally but had expired visas or were on visa waivers that prohibited them from working.

Kang, the South Korean presidential chief of staff, indicated that the government will seek to review and enhance visa systems for individuals traveling to the U.S. for business related to investment projects.