In a dramatic resolution to a tense international incident, US immigration authorities have released all 300 South Korean nationals who were detained at a Hyundai Motor manufacturing plant in Alabama.
The mass detention, which occurred on Friday, sent shockwaves through diplomatic channels and the automotive industry. The individuals, predominantly technical specialists and engineers, were held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on-site.
The South Korean government in Seoul confirmed the release, stating its consulate officials had been granted access to the workers and were providing necessary support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the detentions were connected to visa status violations, though specific details remain under scrutiny.
The incident triggered a swift and high-level diplomatic response from Seoul. South Korean officials engaged in urgent talks with US counterparts to secure the workers' release and clarify the circumstances surrounding the enforcement action.
Hyundai Motor Company, a global automotive titan and a significant employer in the US state of Alabama, has yet to release a comprehensive public statement on the operational impact of the detention or the specifics of its employees' immigration status.
This event highlights the often-complex landscape of international work visas and immigration enforcement, even for highly skilled professionals working for major multinational corporations. It is expected to prompt reviews of visa compliance procedures for foreign assignments in large US industrial facilities.
The release will likely ease diplomatic tensions, but questions remain regarding the lead-up to the large-scale operation and its implications for foreign investment and labour mobility in the United States.
