On 6 September 2025, US immigration agents detained 475 people—mostly South Korean nationals—during a large-scale ICE raid at a Hyundai‑LG battery plant in Georgia; Seoul held an emergency meeting, dispatched diplomats to the site and pledged swift assistance to the detained citizens and affected companies.
Key Takeaways
- US agents arrested 475 people at a Hyundai‑LG battery plant in Georgia; officials said most were South Korean nationals.
- LG Energy Solution reported 47 of its employees and about 250 contractor workers were among those detained.
- Seoul convened an emergency meeting and formed an Overseas Korean Protection Task Force to respond.
- South Korea has sent diplomats to Georgia; LG is sending its CHRO and suspending most US business trips.
- The White House and Homeland Security defended the operation as enforcement of US visa and labour rules.
- The raid raises questions about timing amid sensitive US‑Korea trade and investment talks.
Verified Facts
ICE and US officials stated that 475 people were detained at the battery factory in Georgia after agents found workers they said were illegally employed. Video released by ICE showed detainees in custody outside a facility; some wore vests marked with corporate names connected to the joint venture.
LG Energy Solution, a partner in the joint venture, said 47 of its employees and roughly 250 contractor staff had been detained. The company said it is sending Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Ki‑soo to the site and is working to secure quick releases and ensure detainees receive needed medications.
South Korea’s foreign minister, Cho Hyun, presided over an emergency meeting and announced the creation of an Overseas Korean Protection Task Force. The government has dispatched diplomats to Georgia and said it would consider additional measures, including high‑level travel to Washington if required.
Context & Impact
The factory, promoted by Georgia officials as a landmark foreign investment project, employs about 1,200 people and produces batteries for new electric vehicles. The arrests of a large number of foreign nationals have prompted concern in Seoul about the implications for South Korean firms and for worker mobility during commercial assignments.
US officials framed the operation as enforcement of immigration and labour laws, saying short‑term visitor visas and visa waiver entries do not authorize employment. Washington has also been actively courting foreign investment while simultaneously tightening visa rules for some business travel.
LG’s decision to suspend most US business trips and to recall employees on assignment signals immediate corporate precautions. South Korean media described the raid as a potential deterrent to corporate activity in the US, and the timing has been noted as sensitive amid ongoing trade and investment discussions.
Official Statements
“They were illegal aliens and ICE was just doing its job.”
President Donald Trump
“This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”
HSI Special Agent Steven Schrank
Unconfirmed
- Whether all detainees were misclassified by employers or whether some arrests reflect misunderstandings of visa status.
- The full breakdown of nationalities among the 475 detainees beyond “mostly South Korean” as stated by officials.
- Any direct, documented effect of the raid on the current US‑Korea trade negotiations; reports suggest concern but causal links remain unproved.
Bottom Line
The raid and mass detentions have immediate humanitarian and corporate consequences: Seoul is mobilising consular support and companies are taking precautionary steps. Expect diplomatic engagement in the coming days to secure releases and clarify visa compliance for foreign staff working on US projects.