News Summary
A significant immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai construction site in Georgia resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, predominantly South Korean nationals. The operation involved multiple federal agencies, including ICE and the FBI, and has raised international concerns, particularly from the South Korean government regarding the treatment of its citizens. Critics argue the raid is politically motivated, and protests have ensued in response to the detentions, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the state.
Ellabell, Georgia – On September 4, 2025, a comprehensive immigration enforcement operation executed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Hyundai construction site led to the detention of 475 immigrants believed to be living and working unlawfully in the United States. This massive raid marks the largest enforcement action at a single site in the history of Homeland Security Investigations.
The operation involved collaboration among multiple federal agencies including ICE, Border Patrol, the FBI, and the DEA. The majority of those detained were South Korean nationals, with over 300 individuals confirmed as citizens of South Korea. These detainees were subsequently sent to an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia for processing, where reports indicate some fled into a nearby sewage pond during the raid.
While no criminal charges have been announced, investigators are examining potential “unlawful employment practices” associated with the construction site. A previous month-long investigation had focused on allegations of illegal hiring practices and potential exploitative labor systems at the facility. During the raid, ICE stated that the detained individuals were “found to be working illegally,” including some who entered the U.S. unlawfully, overstayed their visas, or violated conditions of visa waivers. Additionally, at least one lawful permanent resident from Mexico was detained due to past criminal offenses.
The raids have raised concerns internationally, prompting a response from the South Korean government. The Foreign Minister mentioned the formation of a task force to effectively address the circumstances surrounding the detentions. Korean officials urged American authorities to uphold the rights of their citizens during law enforcement activities, amid concerns for the wellbeing and treatment of detainees.
The construction at the Hyundai battery plant, a joint enterprise with LG Energy Solution, is expected to resume after a delay caused by the operation. Neither the company nor its direct employees were implicated in the enforcement actions, but they are monitoring the situation closely as it develops.
Critics of the raid, including local advocacy groups, have suggested that it is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to target immigrant workers in the state. In response to the detentions, protests erupted in Savannah and elsewhere in Georgia, with demonstrators advocating for the removal of ICE from the area entirely. Family members of the detainees faced significant challenges in locating their loved ones or establishing communication following the mass detentions.
This operation aligns with a trend of heightened workplace enforcement actions by ICE seen under the previous Trump administration, affecting numerous sectors such as agriculture, construction, and food services. The timing of the operation coincided with an increase in economic investments in Georgia, particularly following substantial commitments from South Korea in various industries, including manufacturing and energy production. As the situation unfolds, further details regarding the legal proceedings and the fate of the detained individuals remain to be seen.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- CNN
- Google Search: ICE raid Hyundai Georgia
- The New York Times
- Google Scholar: Hyundai plant ICE raid
- AP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
