South Korean Workers Repatriated After US Immigration Raid

Hundreds of South Korean workers detained in a US immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia have returned home, with authorities assuring no repercussions, while the raid raises concerns over factory delays and future foreign investment.

Hundreds of South Korean workers detained in a US immigration raid at the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia have returned to Seoul, following tense diplomatic negotiations between the two countries.

A Korean Air flight transported 316 South Koreans and 14 foreign employees on Thursday, after last week’s operation led to the arrest of 475 people, the largest single-site immigration enforcement action under President Donald Trump’s administration. Authorities said most of the detained workers were on visas that did not permit hands-on construction work, prompting Hyundai and LG Energy Solution to warn that the factory’s completion could be delayed by two to three months.

South Korean officials confirmed that the returning workers would not face any repercussions upon re-entering the United States. The raid sparked criticism from unions and heightened concerns over the impact on future foreign investment, underscoring the importance of human capital alongside financial resources.

The incident highlights the growing tension between strict US immigration enforcement and the operational needs of global companies, with analysts warning that such actions could have lasting effects on international business confidence.