Will South Korean Foreign Minister Visit the US Amid Immigration Crackdown?
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Synopsis
The immigration crackdown at a South Korean battery plant in Georgia has raised concerns in Seoul. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun may visit the U.S. to address the situation involving the arrests of hundreds of South Koreans. This unprecedented event highlights the challenges faced by international workers and the business ecosystem in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
- Over 300 South Koreans were arrested in a significant immigration operation.
- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun may travel to the U.S. for discussions.
- U.S. authorities described the raid as a historic enforcement operation.
- LG Energy Solution is cooperating and has suspended all business travel.
- The situation emphasizes the challenges faced by international workers.
Seoul, Sep 6 (NationPress) Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated on Saturday that he might travel to the United States to discuss the recent arrests of hundreds of South Koreans by U.S. immigration officials at a South Korean battery plant located in Georgia.
During an urgent meeting on the immigration situation, Cho confirmed that over 300 out of 457 individuals detained are South Korean citizens.
"We are profoundly worried and feel a significant sense of responsibility regarding the arrests of our citizens," Cho remarked at the beginning of the meeting, which included two vice ministers and officials from the ministry and overseas missions, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"We will explore the possibility of dispatching a senior foreign ministry official to the site promptly, and I might personally head to Washington for consultations with the U.S. government if necessary," he added.
Cho conveyed that President Lee Jae Myung has instructed officials to exert maximum effort to swiftly address the issue, emphasizing that the rights and interests of South Korean nationals and the operations of South Korean firms in the U.S. should not be compromised.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na expressed regret and concern regarding the crackdown in a meeting with acting U.S. Ambassador to Seoul, Joseph Yun, on Thursday, according to Cho.
U.S. authorities executed a search warrant at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site run by HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Energy Solution Ltd., located in Bryan County near Savannah, on Thursday.
The raid was characterized as a criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that those arrested are "illegal aliens" and that immigration officials were "merely doing their job."
Steven Schrank, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for Georgia, noted that some individuals in custody entered through a visa waiver program that prohibits them from working, or had overstayed their visas.
Most detainees are currently being held at a detention facility in Folkston, Georgia.
HL-GA Battery Co. has announced that it is fully cooperating with the authorities and has temporarily halted construction to assist in their investigation.
U.S. authorities have labeled the raid as "the largest single site enforcement operation in the history" of HSI.
In a statement released on Saturday, LG Energy Solution indicated that it has suspended all business travel to the U.S. and instructed employees currently in the U.S. to remain in their accommodations or return home immediately.
The firm's chief human resources officer is scheduled to travel to the U.S. the following day to address the issues on site, as stated by the company.
"We will strive to swiftly resolve the situation, including ensuring the quick and safe return of all employees," the company noted.
Among those in custody, 47 have been confirmed as employees of LG Energy Solution, while the remaining individuals are associated with HL-GA Battery.
Most were reportedly dispatched to perform final construction tasks, such as electrical installations, ahead of the plant's anticipated completion next year.
Point of View
It's crucial to remain unbiased while highlighting the importance of protecting the rights of South Korean nationals abroad. The situation underscores the need for diplomatic dialogue and a careful balance between enforcement and the needs of workers in foreign nations.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the U.S. immigration crackdown at the battery plant?
The crackdown was prompted by an investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices at the HL-GA Battery Co. construction site in Georgia.
How many South Koreans were arrested?
Over 300 South Koreans were among the 457 individuals detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
What actions are being taken by South Korean officials?
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is considering a visit to the U.S. for discussions, and efforts are underway to ensure the rights of detained nationals are protected.
What is the status of detained individuals?
Most of the detained individuals are being held at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, with many of them being employees of LG Energy Solution.
How has LG Energy Solution responded?
LG Energy Solution has suspended all business trips to the U.S. and is working to ensure the safe return of its employees.
