Asger Risom
US immigration authorities have carried out one of the largest workplace raids in American history, arresting nearly 500 people at a Hyundai electric vehicle plant. The unprecedented operation has sparked diplomatic tensions and raised questions about labor practices at the site.
US immigration authorities have carried out one of the largest workplace raids in American history, arresting nearly 500 people at a Hyundai electric vehicle plant. The unprecedented operation has sparked diplomatic tensions and raised questions about labor practices at the site.
A Record-Breaking Operation
Officials said 475 workers were detained in what Homeland Security called the largest single-site law enforcement action in its history. The raid was described as the result of a “months-long investigation,” though critics note similar raids have become more frequent under Trump.
Hyundai Factory at the Center
The factory, built to produce Hyundai’s new line of electric vehicles, has been operating for just a year. Despite the arrests, Hyundai confirmed production at the site has not been affected.
Most Detainees Were Korean Nationals
Authorities said most of those arrested were citizens of South Korea. They are currently being held at an immigration facility as officials decide on next steps.
How the Raid Unfolded
Agents executed a federal search warrant, citing suspected “unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes.” Officials stressed the operation did not involve large-scale force or violence.
South Korea Responds
Seoul quickly expressed concern about “unjust violations” of its citizens’ rights. The Foreign Ministry said it would send diplomats to monitor the situation and contacted the US embassy in Seoul.
Hyundai Distances Itself
Hyundai said none of the workers arrested were directly employed by the company, suggesting they may have been contractors. The automaker said it is “working to understand the specific circumstances.”
Impact on the EV Supply Chain
While car production continues, Hyundai’s battery partner, LG Energy Solutions, has temporarily suspended construction at the Georgia site following the raid.
Trump’s Expanding ICE Crackdown
The raid fits into a broader pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement under Trump. In recent months, ICE has conducted high-profile workplace raids across the country, part of a strategy critics say prioritizes spectacle over due process.
What Comes Next
Immigration officials have not confirmed what will happen to the detained workers. With South Korea pressing for caution and Hyundai under scrutiny, the fallout from this politically charged operation is only beginning.
