South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has ordered 'all-out efforts' to assist hundreds of its citizens arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) during a raid at a battery factory construction site in Georgia. The facility, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution (LGES), was due to start operations later this year.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed the arrest of 300 South Korean nationals and announced the formation of a government taskforce. He stated he would travel to Washington if necessary and felt a 'heavy responsibility' over the detentions. The raid, described as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of the US Department of Homeland Security, saw approximately 475 workers detained.
LGES suspended employee business travel to the US after 47 of its staff were arrested, requesting those currently on business there to return immediately. A company executive is scheduled to travel to the US on Sunday. Hyundai Motor, which directly employs none of those detained, confirmed its compliance with all laws and regulations and stated that electric vehicle production at the site was unaffected.
The arrests highlight the disruptive impact of the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda on businesses, even as the White House seeks to attract foreign investment. The factory is part of Hyundai's $12.6bn investment in Georgia, hailed as the largest economic development project in the state's history. Tensions between Washington and Seoul may escalate, as the countries remain at odds over trade deal details involving $350bn of investments.
US officials stated the workers were barred from employment after entering illegally or overstaying visas, following a months-long investigation. Those arrested are being held at an Ice detention facility in Folkston, Georgia. The joint venture, announced in 2023, involves a $4.3bn investment to produce EV battery cells, with each company holding a 50% stake.
