A historic immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will postpone its opening by at least two months. The company confirmed the delay after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid deepens diplomatic tensions
The raid has intensified tensions between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers were South Korean nationals. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage international companies from investing in the United States.
South Korean officials explained that the workers were sent temporarily to assist in launching the new plant. Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz told American media the raid will delay operations by two to three months because many workers now want to return home.
biggest us immigration sweep
The Georgia raid became the largest immigration sweep in American history. Authorities detained 475 people, including around 300 South Koreans. US officials said the workers lacked authorization to work. South Korean officials countered that dispatching employees abroad to help set up factories is standard practice.
Officials in Seoul confirmed the workers are scheduled to fly home on Friday. Their departure had been planned for Wednesday but was postponed. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung said Donald Trump suggested the workers remain in the United States to continue training locals. Only one agreed.
hyundai faces staffing challenge
José Muñoz said Hyundai is exploring ways to replace staff planning to return to South Korea. The company stressed that none of those detained were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which operates the Georgia battery site with Hyundai, said many of its detained employees held visas or entered through the visa waiver programme.
investment commitments questioned
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned tighter restrictions could complicate factory construction in the United States. He said global firms might reconsider whether such investments remain worthwhile.
The raid has raised doubts about a trade agreement reached earlier this year. Donald Trump pledged to ease tariff threats in exchange for billions of dollars in South Korean investment.
Hyundai alone promised $26 billion, including a steel plant in Louisiana. Trump celebrated the project as part of his effort to revive American manufacturing with foreign capital.
georgia project a milestone
The raided facility is part of a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The project is expected to generate 8,500 jobs and has been hailed as the most significant economic development in the state’s history.
