South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered an all-out response following the arrest of hundreds of South Korean nationals in a US immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor car battery factory.
The factory, located in Georgia, was the site of what US officials described as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of the Department of Homeland Security.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Saturday that the government has formed a team to deal with the fallout from the raid, which took place on Thursday and involved the detention of more than 300 South Korean citizens.
He added that he may travel to Washington to hold talks with US officials if necessary.
“I am deeply concerned. I feel heavy responsibility for the arrests of our citizens,” Cho said during an emergency government meeting.
The arrests come at a sensitive time in US–South Korea relations.
Seoul is one of Washington’s key allies in Asia and a major investor in the United States.
The Trump administration and South Korea have recently been at odds over elements of a trade deal tied to $350 billion in South Korean investment.
Observers warn the incident could heighten tensions between the two governments, adding diplomatic strain to an already contentious economic relationship.
The ICE raid
The raid, conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, resulted in the arrest of about 475 workers, including more than 300 South Koreans.
A video released by US authorities showed Asian workers shackled at the wrists, waist, and ankles as they boarded buses.
Helicopters and armoured vehicles were also deployed during the operation.
The footage depicted workers wearing yellow vests with names such as “Hyundai” and “LG CNS.”
Two individuals attempted to evade arrest by hiding in a pond before being detained.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, defended the raid in a statement on Saturday.
He said the operation sent a clear message to companies and workers regarding immigration compliance.
“We welcome all companies who want to invest in the US, and if they need to bring workers in for building or other projects, that’s fine — but they need to do it the legal way,” Schrank said.
“This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable.”
The companies respond
Hyundai said it would review its suppliers and subcontractors to ensure they were adhering to regulations.
The company is working with LG Energy Solution on the factory project near Savannah.
LG Energy Solution said 47 of its employees were detained in the raid, along with about 250 workers employed by contractors at the joint venture site.
The company added that it had recalled employees from business trips in the United States and suspended travel to the country except for essential customer meetings.
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