Ellabell, Georgia (Sept 5, 2025) — In what officials are calling the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation in US history, nearly 475 workers were arrested during a late-night raid at the Hyundai–LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Bryan County, Georgia
What Happened at the Hyundai Plant Raid?
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the raid took place on September 4, 2025, after months of investigation into potential unlawful employment practices. While the judicial search warrant originally targeted just four individuals, federal agents ended up detaining hundreds of workers, the majority of whom were South Korean nationals.
Authorities stated that many of those detained were not direct employees of Hyundai or LG Energy Solution but rather subcontractor workers or business visitors. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that those without valid work authorization are now facing deportation proceedings.
Why South Koreans Were Targeted
Reports suggest that around 300 of the detainees were South Korean nationals who had entered the US on short-term business visas or visitor permits, but were found working on the construction project. Officials claim this violated visa conditions and labor laws.
Hyundai and LG Energy Solution stressed that they were not the direct employers of the detained workers, as most were hired through subcontracting firms.
Impact on Hyundai’s $7.6 Billion Battery Plant
The affected facility, a multi-billion-dollar battery plant project, is part of Hyundai’s plan to expand its electric vehicle production in the US. Construction has now been paused, raising concerns about project delays and potential financial setbacks.
The raid, while focused on immigration enforcement, may have significant business consequences for Georgia, which has marketed itself as a hub for clean energy and EV manufacturing investments.
South Korea’s Strong Diplomatic Reaction
The South Korean government expressed serious concern and regret over the arrests, calling for fair treatment of its nationals and protection of their rights. Seoul dispatched diplomats to Atlanta and Washington, signaling that the raid could strain US–South Korea economic relations.
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Political & Economic Fallout
The raid highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and its simultaneous push to attract foreign investment in American manufacturing. Analysts warn that such actions could discourage other international companies from investing in the US.
Some industry experts fear the raid could lead to labor shortages in ongoing EV projects, potentially slowing down the Biden-era clean energy transition that Hyundai and LG were helping to expand.
Key Takeaways.
- Nearly 475 workers arrested in Georgia immigration raid
- Majority were South Korean nationals, mostly subcontractors
- Hyundai battery plant construction paused, risking project delays
- South Korea protested strongly, sending diplomats for talks
- Operation seen as largest single-site immigration raid in US history
