South Korean authorities announced on 7 September 2025 that they have concluded talks with US officials to secure the release and repatriation of more than 300 South Korean nationals detained in an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Folkston, Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- US immigration agents detained a total of 475 people in a raid at the Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia; over 300 were South Korean nationals.
- Seoul says a chartered plane will be arranged to return detainees once administrative steps are completed.
- LG Energy Solution reported 47 of its employees and about 250 contractor workers were detained.
- US agencies defended the operation as enforcement of visa and labour rules; video released by ICE showed restrained workers at the site.
- South Korean officials are pursuing visa-system changes and have temporarily suspended many business trips to the US.
- The raid raised concerns in Seoul about timing amid sensitive US‑Korea trade and investment talks.
Verified Facts
On 5 September 2025, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related agencies carried out a large enforcement action at a battery manufacturing facility operated by LG Energy Solution and Hyundai in Folkston, Georgia. Authorities said 475 people were detained during the operation, and US officials indicated many were working on visas not authorized for employment.
South Korean officials and company statements confirm that more than 300 of the detainees are South Korean nationals. LG Energy Solution has said 47 of its employees and roughly 250 contractor workers were among those taken into custody.
Seoul’s presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon‑sik, said the two governments have concluded talks and that a chartered aircraft will be dispatched to repatriate detainees once required administrative procedures are completed. The government also said it is reviewing visa rules to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
US officials, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), described the raid as enforcement action intended to protect US jobs and uphold immigration laws. ICE released video footage showing workers in restraints wearing vests bearing company names.
Context & Impact
The plant involved is a high‑profile electric vehicle battery project that Georgia officials described as one of the state’s largest economic developments, employing about 1,200 people. The detention of a large number of foreign nationals has prompted concern among South Korean businesses and media over potential chilling effects on investment and corporate travel.
LG Energy Solution announced it is suspending most business trips to the United States and is directing employees currently on assignment in the US to return home immediately. Seoul has framed the incident as a diplomatic priority given the close US‑Korea alliance and the scale of South Korean investment.
The timing of the operation coincides with sensitive trade and investment discussions between Washington and Seoul. South Korean commentators warned the raid could complicate ongoing negotiations and investor confidence, while US officials have emphasized legal enforcement and visa compliance.
Official Statements
“ICE was enforcing existing immigration law to protect the US workforce,”
US administration officials / ICE
“A chartered plane will be arranged to bring our citizens home once required procedures are complete,”
Chief of Staff Kang Hoon‑sik, Office of the President of South Korea
Unconfirmed
- Whether all detainees labelled as working illegally were knowingly in breach of visa conditions remains under review.
- Longer‑term impacts on US‑Korea investment flows and corporate decisions are speculative at this stage.
Bottom Line
South Korea says the immediate diplomatic talks with US authorities have secured a pathway for repatriation of hundreds of detained nationals from the Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia. Seoul is pursuing administrative fixes to visa rules and companies involved have paused many US trips; the episode may influence investor and corporate behaviour while both governments manage diplomatic and trade implications.