South Korean Workers Detained in Georgia Immigration Raid Released and Repatriated

More than 300 South Korean workers detained during a U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia have been released and are being repatriated, according to South Korean officials. The raid, conducted on September 4, 2025, at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Ellabell, Georgia, resulted in the detention of approximately 475 individuals, including over 300 South Korean nationals.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed concerns that such incidents could deter future investments by Korean companies in the United States unless improvements are made to the U.S. visa system. He emphasized the need for a proper visa system to accommodate skilled Korean labor, highlighting that these workers are short-term technicians essential for setting up industrial facilities.

The detained workers were involved in the construction of a battery plant operated in partnership with LG Energy Solution. Hyundai stated that none of those detained were its employees. The incident has prompted discussions between South Korean and U.S. officials on establishing a joint working group to explore possible visa reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The raid has also led to broader concerns about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on foreign investments, particularly in high-tech manufacturing sectors that rely on skilled foreign labor. Experts warn that without an overhaul in U.S. visa practices, delays in South Korean industrial projects could harm both countries’ economies.