South Korean Workers to Return Home After US Hyundai Plant Immigration Raid
Charter Flight Scheduled for Wednesday
South Korean employees detained during a large-scale US immigration raid at Hyundai’s Georgia plant are set to return home on Wednesday, according to reports. A chartered flight is scheduled to depart from the United States around 14:30 local time (18:30 GMT). South Korean media showed a plane taking off from Incheon International Airport earlier Wednesday morning, with the workers expected to arrive in South Korea on Thursday.
Diplomatic Talks Between US and South Korea
The South Korean foreign ministry has not yet issued a comment. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at the White House on Wednesday. Prior to traveling to Washington, Cho emphasized his commitment to working closely with US officials to prevent a similar incident in the future.
Details of the Hyundai Plant Raid
Last week, US authorities detained 475 workers at Hyundai’s battery facility, including over 300 South Korean nationals. Officials said many of the workers were employed illegally. Most of those detained were mechanics responsible for installing production lines and were hired through contractors, according to an employee at the plant, who described widespread confusion and panic during the operation.
Trade and Investment Concerns
The raid has sparked concerns in Seoul, especially as it coincides with sensitive US-South Korea trade negotiations. Hyundai represents one of the largest foreign investments in Georgia, and South Korea has pledged tens of billions of dollars in US investments, partly to counter the impact of trade tariffs.
White House Defends Raid
The White House defended the operation, stating it would not deter foreign investment. US President Donald Trump referenced the raid in a social media post, urging foreign companies to hire American workers. He added that foreign firms could legally and quickly bring employees into the US if they complied with immigration laws.