A record immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will push back its opening by at least two months. The company confirmed the delay after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid heightens diplomatic tension
The raid has escalated friction between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers were South Korean nationals. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage foreign investment in the United States.
South Korean officials said the workers were sent temporarily to help launch 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 plan to return home.
largest immigration sweep in us history
The Georgia raid marked the biggest immigration sweep in US history. Authorities detained 475 people, including roughly 300 South Koreans. US officials said the workers lacked legal authorization to work. South Korean officials countered that sending staff abroad to set up factories is standard practice for Korean firms.
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 proposed the workers remain in the United States to continue training American staff. Only one accepted.
hyundai plans workforce adjustments
José Muñoz said Hyundai is exploring ways to replace staff returning to South Korea. The company emphasized that none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which co-operates the Georgia battery plant with Hyundai, said many detained staff held visas or entered under the visa waiver programme.
investment commitments under pressure
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned stricter rules could complicate factory construction in the United States. He said companies might reconsider whether large-scale investments remain worthwhile.
The raid has cast doubt on a trade deal agreed 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 highlighted the project as part of his effort to revive US manufacturing with foreign capital.
georgia project expected to reshape local economy
The raided plant is part of a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The development is expected to generate 8,500 jobs and has been described as the largest economic project in the state’s history.
