Why Did the US Detain 450 Workers at Hyundai-LG Battery Plant in Georgia?
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Synopsis
In a significant raid, U.S. immigration authorities detained around 450 workers at the Hyundai-LG battery plant site in Georgia, stirring concerns over undocumented labor practices. The detention includes South Korean business travelers, prompting legal actions and potential project disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 450 workers detained, including South Koreans.
- Investigation focuses on undocumented labor practices.
- Legal teams are mobilizing to address the situation.
- Future Hyundai projects in the U.S. may face disruptions.
- Both Hyundai and LG are cooperating with authorities.
Seoul, Sep 5 (NationPress) U.S. immigration officials have detained approximately 450 workers at the construction site of a collaborative battery plant between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution Ltd. in Georgia. This action is part of an investigation targeting undocumented individuals, as reported on Friday.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) along with Homeland Security Investigations dispatched agents to the construction site for the electric vehicle (EV) battery production facility in Ellabell, situated in Bryan County, west of Savannah, to execute a search warrant, according to local media.
About 450 individuals were taken into custody, including over 30 South Koreans who were in the U.S. on business travel from Seoul. These individuals are facing potential charges related to illegal residency, as per reports from immigration authorities, as cited by Yonhap news agency.
The South Koreans arrived in the U.S. on a B1 visa, which is designated for business activities like attending meetings or signing contracts, or through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver program for brief visits.
The South Korean consulate in Atlanta is assembling a legal team, including Korean American lawyers, with plans to visit the site where the workers are being held, according to a consulate official.
A foreign ministry representative in Seoul informed Yonhap that the ministry is collecting information to understand the situation and is in touch with the company involved.
LG Energy Solution stated that it is "evaluating the specific circumstances" and is "actively collaborating with the South Korean government and relevant authorities to ensure the safety and prompt release of our employees and partner staff."
Meanwhile, the headquarters of Hyundai Motor Group in Seoul has not yet released a statement, although sources indicate that the company is focused on understanding the details surrounding the raid.
There are also concerns regarding possible disruptions to other Hyundai Motor Group projects in the U.S., as numerous construction initiatives are in the pipeline.
Future projects include a new robot plant with an annual output of 30,000 units and the establishment of a steel mill in Louisiana with a production capacity of 2.7 million tons.
Furthermore, the South Korean automotive giant plans to increase its production capacity from 300,000 to 500,000 vehicles at the newly inaugurated Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in managing immigration and labor compliance within the construction industry. It raises important questions about the oversight of foreign workers and the ramifications for international partnerships in the U.S.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the detention of 450 workers?
U.S. immigration authorities conducted a raid at the construction site of a joint battery plant by Hyundai and LG as part of an investigation into undocumented workers.
How many South Koreans were detained?
Over 30 South Koreans on business travel were among the approximately 450 workers detained.
What visas did the detained South Koreans hold?
The South Koreans were in the U.S. on B1 visas for business or through the ESTA visa waiver program.
What is the response from LG Energy Solution?
LG Energy Solution stated it is assessing the situation and cooperating with authorities to ensure the safety and swift release of its employees.
Could this incident affect other Hyundai projects?
Yes, there are concerns that this raid might disrupt other ongoing and upcoming Hyundai projects in the U.S.
