Is the South Korean Government Investigating Human Rights Violations During the US Raid on Korean Workers?

Seoul, Sep 15 (NationPress) The South Korean government is actively investigating whether any potential human rights violations occurred during the raid and subsequent detention of Korean workers by US immigration authorities in Georgia, as stated by the Presidential Office on Monday.

A total of 316 South Koreans were repatriated on Friday after a week-long detention that followed a US immigration raid at an electric vehicle battery facility in Bryan County, thanks to intense diplomatic negotiations between Seoul and Washington.

Reports from local media have emerged detailing numerous firsthand experiences of the raid and detention, with many describing the facility as being overcrowded, unsanitary, and harsh.

The workers shared accounts of cramped quarters, moldy mattresses, frigid conditions, and inadequate access to basic hygiene, according to the Yonhap News Agency. Several reported being shackled with chains around their waists, legs, and wrists during their arrest, and were treated roughly by immigration officers.

"I understand that the government is conducting a more detailed review with the companies involved to ascertain if any human rights violations have taken place," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated during a press briefing.

"The foreign ministry is examining if our requests were adequately addressed, while the companies are also conducting their own assessments to ensure that no measures were lacking from either the Korean or US sides," Kang added.

Seoul emphasized the need to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens, expressing significant regret to Washington regarding the incident.

"Some of our requests have been accepted, leading to improvements. However, we will persist in investigating if any issues or inconveniences remain for our citizens," she noted.

Hyundai and LG, the two South Korean firms whose joint venture site was raided, will gather accounts from the workers concerning potential discrimination, mistreatment, or rights violations and will share the findings with the foreign ministry, according to a ministry official.

"A comprehensive fact-finding review will be conducted to examine possible human rights violations during the detention, and the issue will be addressed with the US if necessary," the officials stated.

South Korean consulate officials reported that they received no specific complaints from the workers during their meetings at the Folkston detention facility, noting that time was constrained and the main focus was on securing their swift release and departure from the US.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which executed the raid, consented to the consular access after Seoul's strong protests, permitting the workers to make phone calls and receive necessary medications, according to an official.

ICE also agreed to forgo the requirement for the detained workers to sign documents admitting unlawful presence, a standard condition for voluntary departure.

Through negotiations with Washington, Seoul obtained assurances that workers holding short-term B-1 visas, designated for meetings and contract signings, would not face visa revocation, as mentioned by the official.