September 6, 2025

Major Immigration Raid at Hyundai’s Georgia Facility

News Summary

A significant immigration enforcement operation at Hyundai’s Georgia site saw federal authorities detaining 475 immigrants suspected of illegal residency and employment. This raid is the largest single-site enforcement action by Homeland Security Investigations. The investigation revealed unlawful employment practices and resulted in the detention of mostly Korean nationals. Critics labeled the operation politically motivated, highlighting the increasing trend of ICE operations targeting various sectors. Hyundai and LG Energy Solution are monitoring the situation while emphasizing their commitment to compliance with immigration laws.

Georgia – A significant immigration enforcement operation occurred at Hyundai’s facility in Georgia on Thursday, with federal authorities detaining 475 immigrants suspected of illegal residency and employment in the United States. This operation marks the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The immigration raid primarily involved workers from various subcontractors at Hyundai’s Georgia site. Although a large number of those detained are reported to be Korean nationals, the exact number is yet to be confirmed. In the aftermath of the raid, no criminal charges were announced during the federal authorities’ press briefing.

The extensive operation is the culmination of a months-long investigation into allegations concerning unlawful employment practices and other federal offenses. Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of HSI for Georgia and Alabama, underscored that the operation is aimed at protecting jobs for legal workers and ensuring adherence to federal labor laws.

Among those detained, some individuals allegedly entered the U.S. without authorization, while others faced accusations related to visa violations, including overstaying their visas. One individual, a green card holder from Mexico, was arrested due to removable status linked to multiple criminal convictions. The majority of detainees were transported to a facility operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Folkston, Georgia, located near the state line with Florida.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of more arrests and charges in the future. Schrank communicated that the operation conveys a strong message regarding accountability for violations of U.S. immigration laws.

Critics of the raid, including Yvonne Brooks, president of Georgia’s AFL-CIO chapter, labeled the operation as politically motivated and an instance of harassment targeting immigrant workers. The operation involved numerous federal agencies, including ICE, Border Patrol, FBI, DEA, IRS, and ATF, signaling a broad governmental approach to combating illegal immigration.

Initial estimates placed the number of detained individuals at 450, but the final number confirmed was 475. The Hyundai manufacturing facility is a major player in Georgia’s economy, launched with a $7.6 billion investment and currently employing approximately 1,200 staff members. Due to the raid, construction on an adjacent battery plant being developed by LG Energy Solution has temporarily ceased; this facility is expected to become operational next year.

Responding to the operation, Hyundai stated that it was aware of the raid and was actively monitoring the situation. The company emphasized that none of the detained individuals were directly employed by Hyundai and reiterated its commitment to complying with all applicable immigration and employment laws at all levels, including those pertaining to contractors and subcontractors.

LG Energy Solution, likewise, indicated that it is keeping track of the situation and is prepared to cooperate with federal authorities, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its workforce.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry expressed its concern regarding the situation, urging U.S. authorities to assure the protection of the rights of its citizens during law enforcement actions. To facilitate the ongoing enforcement effort, the Georgia State Patrol managed roadblocks around the Hyundai site.

This immigration raid represents a broader trend, reflecting an increase in ICE operations under the Trump administration, which has actively targeted various sectors, including agriculture and construction. The workplace raid in Georgia serves as both a response to a surge in illegal employment practices and a strategy to strictly enforce immigration laws.

The ramifications of this enforcement action may go beyond the immediate detention of individuals, potentially impacting workforce stability in Georgia’s expanding manufacturing sector.

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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.

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