South Korea's government has announced a review into possible human rights violations after about 475 of its citizens were detained in a US immigration raid. The operation, which took place on 4 September at an electric vehicle battery factory in Georgia, was the largest single-site arrest under President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Images of South Korean workers chained and handcuffed sparked outrage in Seoul, prompting diplomatic negotiations that led to their release and return. Some detainees have alleged they were held without being informed of their rights, and that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents mocked them with references to “North Korea” and “rocket man”.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung confirmed a “thorough review” is under way. “Both our side and the US are checking if there were any shortcomings in the measures taken,” she said. “Together with the company concerned, we are conducting a more thorough review into possible human rights infringements.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung described the raid as “bewildering” and warned it could deter future investment. South Korean companies “can’t help but question whether setting up a plant in the US is worth the potential risks”, he said. In response, Trump said foreign workers were “welcome” and he did not want to scare investors.
