U.S. federal agents detained over 475 individuals without legal status during a raid at a Hyundai battery manufacturing facility in Georgia, with authorities confirming most were from South Korea. The operation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, targeted alleged illegal employment practices at the 1,214-hectare site near Savannah.
Margaret Heap, U.S. Attorney for the district, stated the operation aimed to “reduce illegal employment” and protect workers from exploitation. Steven Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations noted the detained individuals had entered the U.S. through “a variety of different means” and were employed via subcontractors at the plant.
The raid highlights tensions between U.S. immigration enforcement and domestic manufacturing priorities, particularly under policies emphasizing both stricter border controls and industrial growth. Analysts suggest the incident could strain U.S.-South Korea relations, a key strategic partnership in Asia.
Hyundai has not yet commented on the enforcement action, which followed a months-long investigation into labor practices at the facility. The case underscores broader debates over immigration policy and labor dynamics in global supply chains.
