Over 300 South Korean Workers Return Home After US Immigration Raid
Over 300 South Korean Workers Return Home Following Georgia Immigration Raid, Sparking Diplomatic Tensions and Investment Concerns
The return of hundreds of South Korean workers, detained in a US immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia, has stirred significant public outrage in their homeland and prompted serious questions about the future of US-South Korea investment ties.
Seoul, South Korea – A deep sigh of relief, tinged with exhaustion, spread through Incheon International Airport today as a chartered Korean Air flight arrived, carrying over 300 South Korean workers back to their families. These individuals had been caught in a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia, USA. Their emotional return, witnessed by a gathering of media and a handful of vocal protestors, marks the conclusion of a profoundly unsettling week that has sent tremors through the enduring relationship between the United States and South Korea.
The raid, which saw 475 people taken into custody—the majority of whom were South Korean nationals—is understood to be the most extensive single-site immigration operation since President Donald Trump assumed office. Haunting images of the arrested workers in handcuffs and chains immediately ignited a firestorm of indignation in South Korea, widely perceived as a harsh betrayal from a nation considered a staunch ally.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung openly expressed his “bewilderment” at the events, issuing a stark warning that such actions could seriously deter future foreign investment in the United States. He underscored the established practice of Korean firms sending skilled workers to assist in establishing overseas manufacturing facilities. “If that’s no longer allowed, establishing manufacturing facilities in the US will only become more difficult… making companies question whether it’s worth doing at all,” he asserted, highlighting the profound implications.
Initially, the White House had briefly paused the workers’ departure, with President Trump reportedly interested in determining if any wished to remain in the US for employment or training. However, the South Korean government successfully navigated these diplomatic waters, securing a voluntary return for the workers and ensuring that no immediate visa restrictions would be imposed upon them.
This incident has acutely highlighted the delicate balance within the alliance, particularly as South Korean corporations commit billions of dollars in investments to the US economy. Protestors at Incheon airport articulated this tension vividly, with banners accusing the US of enticing investment only to then criminalize the very workers involved. One particularly poignant sign queried, “You told us to invest, only to arrest us! Is this how you treat an ally?”
From a commercial standpoint, Hyundai’s chief executive, José Muñoz, has indicated that the raid will likely cause a delay of at least two to three months in the Georgia factory’s opening, as the company is now compelled to find new workers to complete the essential tasks. LG Energy Solution, a partner in the plant, clarified that many of their detained employees possessed various types of visas or were operating under a visa waiver program, adding layers of complexity to the situation.
In response, South Korea’s foreign ministry has proactively appealed for US Congressional support in establishing a new visa category specifically tailored for Korean firms, seeking to resolve the deep-seated concerns arising from this event. Conversely, the US government has defended the operation, with President Trump reiterating the importance of foreign companies adhering to US immigration laws and prioritizing the hiring of American workers.
The prevailing sentiment across South Korea reveals an uncommon political unity, with widespread public and political disapproval of the raid. Labour organizations in Seoul have unequivocally demanded an apology from the Trump administration, citing a “clear violation of human rights” and urging a comprehensive re-evaluation of US investments.
As these workers now reunite with their loved ones, the diplomatic repercussions continue to unfold, prompting critical dialogue about international trade, investment protocols, and immigration policies between two nations whose alliance has long been a cornerstone of stability.
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