News Summary
A large-scale immigration raid on September 4 led to the arrest of 475 individuals at a Hyundai Motor Co.-LG Energy battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia. The operation involved around 500 law enforcement officers and was one of the largest immigration raids in U.S. history. Many detainees were Korean nationals, prompting a response from South Korean officials. The raid raised significant concerns about immigration enforcement, its impact on families, and international relations as workers sought refuge from capture.
Ellabell, Georgia – A large-scale immigration raid conducted on September 4 resulted in the arrest of 475 individuals at a Hyundai Motor Co.-LG Energy Solution Ltd. battery plant that is currently under construction. This operation is one of the most significant immigration raids in recent U.S. history, with a substantial majority of those detained being Korean nationals.
The extensive operation included the participation of approximately 500 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. Workers at the construction site were lined up and questioned about their immigration status. Those found to be in the U.S. illegally were taken into custody and transported to the Folkston ICE Processing Center. Some workers attempted to evade capture, with reports indicating that some hid in air ducts, while others sought refuge in a nearby sewage pond, prompting federal agents to use a boat to retrieve them.
This raid is being described as a meticulously coordinated investigation, which followed months of intelligence-gathering efforts. The substantial manpower and equipment brought to the operation suggest that the intent was to conduct a broader sweep beyond the specific individuals identified in the search warrant.
The search warrant, issued as part of the investigation, sought records related to employment, recruitment, and the immigration status of individuals working at the site. Federal agents confirmed that all detained individuals were illegally present in the U.S. or working unlawfully. Investigators stated that many arrested workers were employed by contractors and subcontractors associated with the battery plant, rather than directly by Hyundai or LG.
South Korean authorities reacted swiftly to the news of the arrests, with South Korea’s Foreign Affairs Minister confirming that over 300 of the detained individuals were South Korean nationals. The South Korean government expressed concern and began dispatching diplomats to the United States to ensure the rights and wellbeing of its citizens were protected. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed the willingness to engage with U.S. officials to facilitate a resolution regarding the arrested citizens.
Hyundai has issued a statement clarifying that none of the arrested individuals are direct employees of the company, reiterating their commitment to legal compliance. The operation involved various federal agencies, including ICE, the FBI, the DEA, and the U.S. Department of Labor, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office emphasized the state’s collaboration with ICE in adhering to federal immigration laws.
Many families of the detainees reported difficulties in locating their loved ones following the arrests, resulting in significant distress among them. Immigration attorney Charles Kuck noted that some clients had been detained while in the U.S. under a Visa Waiver Program, which allows for legal short-term business visits.
This raid represents the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The Hyundai battery plant under construction is anticipated to employ up to 8,500 workers upon completion, making it a critical site for the company’s operations in the electric vehicle sector.
In response to the raid, protests erupted nearby in Savannah, Georgia, where demonstrators voiced their opposition to ICE’s actions. South Korea has acknowledged the necessity of lawful operations within the U.S. while stressing the importance of protecting their citizens’ rights involved in business activities.
This operation exemplifies the challenges surrounding immigration enforcement and its effects on families, businesses, and international relations, particularly as discussions continue regarding immigration policy in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Immigration Enforcement in the United States
- Reuters
- Google Search: Hyundai plant immigration raid
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homeland Security (United States)
- CBS News
- Google News: Hyundai immigration raid
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Hyundai Georgia 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.
