Asger Risom
Hundreds of South Koreans were detained in Georgia in an ICE raid at a Hyundai EV battery plant—Seoul is now investigating whether their rights were violated.
Hundreds of South Koreans were detained in Georgia in an ICE raid at a Hyundai EV battery plant—Seoul is now investigating whether their rights were violated.
Raid Hits Joint Hyundai‑LG EV Plant
On September 4, ICE agents arrested roughly 475 workers at a battery factory in Georgia operated by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. Most detainees were South Korean.
Conditions Spark Outrage
Accounts from those detained describe being shackled and chained, with angry reactions in South Korea to what many see as mistreatment.
Rights Possibly Ignored During Detention
Workers say they were not informed of their rights when arrested, raising concerns about due process and access to legal protections.
South Korean Government Demands Answers
Seoul has launched a “thorough analysis” of the raid. Officials are looking into human rights, legal compliance, and how U.S. law enforcement handled the operation.
Diplomatic Fallout Begins
President Lee Jae Myung called the raid “confusing” and warned that it could affect future investment by South Korean firms in the U.S.
Visa and Immigration Questions Rise
Some workers say the visa issue was central, with many held despite possibly having valid permits—spotlighting visa program complexities and legal ambiguity.
Broader Implications for US‑Korea Relations
The raid risks straining ties between the two countries, especially given South Korea’s major investments in U.S. manufacturing and its role in supplying EV technology.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
