Over 300 South Korean Workers Detained in US Immigration Raid Set for Release

Wed Oct 22 2025 23:09:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The South Korean government has announced that over 300 workers detained during a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will be brought home. Amid diplomatic negotiations, a charter flight will be arranged for their return.

In a significant diplomatic development, more than 300 South Korean workers detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia will soon be returning home. The South Korean government confirmed the successful negotiation for their release, with a charter plane set to fly them back as soon as final arrangements are made. The raid had raised eyebrows given South Korea's status as a vital U.S. ally and comes amidst ongoing discussions between U.S. and South Korean leadership focused on trade and investment.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — More than 300 South Korean workers detained following a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia will be released and brought home, the South Korean government announced Sunday.

Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff for President Lee Jae Myung, stated that the negotiations for the workers' release have been finalized between South Korea and the U.S. A charter plane is being arranged to return the workers home once the remaining administrative steps are completed.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will depart for the U.S. on Monday to discuss matters related to the workers' release, as reported by South Korean media.

U.S. immigration authorities reported that 475 individuals were detained, predominantly South Korean nationals, during the Thursday raid on Hyundai’s expansive manufacturing site where the company produces electric vehicles in collaboration with LG Energy Solution for battery production.

Cho confirmed that over 300 South Koreans were included among those detained. The operation marked a continuation of extensive workplace raids as part of the previous administration's mass deportation efforts, but was notable due to its scale and the significance of the target location as Georgia’s largest economic project.

The raid has generated shock in South Korea, reflecting concerns over the treatment of South Korean nationals and the implications for bilateral relations. Despite a recent agreement between the two countries aimed at economic cooperation, including substantial investments and new energy purchases, the incident highlighted underlying tensions.

Lee emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rights of South Korean nationals and the economic activities of South Korean companies are acknowledged and unharmed during U.S. law enforcement initiatives. South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed its concerns about the situation and dispatched diplomats to the detainee site.

Footage released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement depicted a significant operation, with federal agents escorting detainees and conducting searches. Most detainees were transported to an immigration facility in Folkston, Georgia; however, none have been charged with any crimes as of now.

Agents indicated that some detainees had entered the U.S. illegally while others faced issues related to visa status. Kang mentioned that South Korea plans to advocate for reviews and improvements to the visa processes for those traveling to the U.S. for business investment related purposes.