South Korea is dispatching a chartered Korean Air flight to Atlanta this week to repatriate hundreds of workers detained during a historic U.S. immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant. The move comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts to address visa compliance concerns while preserving economic ties between the two allies.
Operation Sparks Cross-Pacific Response
Last week's raid by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents resulted in 475 arrests at the $4.3 billion Georgia facility, including approximately 300 South Korean nationals. The operation – described as the largest single-site immigration enforcement action in U.S. history – has drawn sharp reactions from Seoul, with President Lee Jae Myung vowing to negotiate a "reasonable resolution" based on alliance principles.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrived in Washington to discuss visa arrangements, including potential special work permits for Korean professionals. While U.S. officials emphasized accountability for labor law violations, White House representatives deferred detailed comments to Homeland Security and Commerce Department officials.
Public Sentiment and Legal Questions
A Realmeter poll reveals 60% of South Koreans view the raid as excessive, reflecting concerns about the treatment of temporary workers under the 90-day visa-waiver program. Legal experts suggest some detainees may have overstayed business visas while contributing to a flagship green energy project crucial to U.S. electric vehicle ambitions.
The repatriation flight, operated by a 368-seat Boeing 747-8i, underscores the complex balance between immigration enforcement and international economic partnerships. As negotiations continue, both nations face pressure to reconcile workforce needs with regulatory compliance in an era of growing green technology competition.
