Massive ICE Raid at Georgia Hyundai-LG Plant: Impact on US-South Korea Relations

On September 4, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a significant raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia, detaining approximately 475 workers, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals. This operation, described by officials as the largest single-site enforcement action in HSI's history, has raised concerns from the South Korean government and highlighted potential implications for U.S.-South Korea economic relations.

The raid targeted the construction site of a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, known as HL-GA Battery Company. The facility, part of a $7.6 billion investment, is expected to create 8,500 jobs by 2031 and is considered the largest economic development project in Georgia's history. Construction at the battery plant has been temporarily halted to facilitate the investigation, while operations at the existing EV manufacturing facility remain unaffected.

Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of HSI in Georgia, stated that the operation underscores the agency's commitment to protecting jobs for Americans and ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law. He emphasized that the investigation had been ongoing for several months, with authorities receiving leads from community members and former workers.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the detentions, stating that "many" of its nationals were among those detained. The ministry emphasized that the economic activities of South Korean companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of its nationals must not be unfairly violated. It has dispatched officials to the site and urged the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to exercise extreme caution to ensure that the legitimate rights and interests of Korean citizens are not infringed upon.

HL-GA Battery Company announced it has paused construction and is cooperating fully with authorities. Hyundai confirmed that operations at the existing EV manufacturing facility remain unaffected.

This raid could have broader implications for U.S.-South Korea relations, especially considering South Korea's pledge of $350 billion in U.S. investments to mitigate tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The detentions may strain diplomatic ties and impact future investments.

The incident also raises questions about the balance between economic development and strict immigration enforcement. The unprecedented scale of the raid at a major foreign investment site underscores the complexities of enforcing immigration laws amid significant international economic partnerships. Ongoing investigations will determine the legal outcomes for the detained individuals and potential repercussions for Hyundai, LG, and U.S.-South Korea relations.