News Summary
Federal agents executed a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai manufacturing site in Bryan County, Georgia, detaining 475 individuals, primarily South Korean nationals. This marks the largest single-site enforcement action by Homeland Security Investigations. Many detainees had illegal immigration statuses, while others were found to have expired visas. The South Korean government expressed concerns over the detentions, and protests erupted in the community against the raid. This operation comes after a month-long investigation into illegal hiring practices at the facility and reflects ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement in the U.S.
Bryan County, Georgia – U.S. federal agents conducted a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia on Thursday, detaining 475 individuals, the majority of whom are South Korean nationals. This operation represents the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations and is part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy.
The Hyundai plant in question is the state’s largest economic development project, with an investment of $7.6 billion dedicated to manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) and related battery plants. South Korea’s Foreign Minister confirmed that more than 300 of those detained were South Korean nationals, many of whom worked for HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, as well as their contractors and subcontractors.
Federal agents have reported that some detainees had illegally crossed the U.S. border, while others had visas that had expired or had entered the country under a visa waiver that restricts work. Reports indicate that 2 individuals detained were visiting the U.S. with a visa waiver program designed for tourism or short business trips. Additionally, one lawful permanent resident was taken into custody due to a previous criminal record involving firearms and drugs, which might endanger their immigration status.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) refuted reports claiming that U.S. citizens were among those detained. ICE stated they do not have the authority to detain citizens once identified. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Company expressed that they were unaware of any of their direct employees being among those detained and are currently reviewing compliance practices among their suppliers.
The South Korean government has voiced concerns and regrets about the detention of its nationals and plans to send diplomats to the site. Most detainees have been transported to an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia. As of this report, no formal charges have been filed against them, and investigations are ongoing. Families of the detainees have encountered difficulties in locating and communicating with their loved ones, with many family members residing in South Korea.
This significant raid comes after a month-long investigation into alleged illegal hiring practices at the Hyundai facility, targeting various employment and timekeeping records. The operation involved a substantial presence of federal and state law enforcement, creating a security perimeter and blocking roads around the site. There were reports of workers attempting to flee the raid, with some hiding in air ducts and others jumping into a sewage pond to avoid capture.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office characterized the raid as a high-stakes operation requiring extensive coordination and intelligence gathering. The Georgia Hyundai site, located in Bryan County, employs approximately 1,200 workers and has seen demographic changes in the area, notably an increasing Asian population.
In the wake of the raid, Georgia Republicans, including Governor Brian Kemp, underscored that all employers are expected to adhere to both state and federal laws regarding employment practices. Unlike other recent immigration raids, this operation was notably larger in scale.
Protests have erupted in the surrounding areas following the raid, with activists urging ICE to halt its operations within the community. This development marks a significant event in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States and the treatment of immigrant workers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- CBS News
- Google Search: Hyundai Plant Immigration Raid
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Naturalization Act
- Reuters
- Google News: Hyundai Plant Raid
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.
