A historic immigration raid at a Hyundai facility in Georgia will delay its opening by at least two months. The company confirmed the setback after hundreds of foreign workers were detained.
raid escalates diplomatic dispute
The raid has intensified diplomatic tensions between Washington and Seoul. Many of the detained workers were South Korean citizens. President Yoon warned the crackdown could discourage global firms from investing in the United States.
South Korean officials explained that the workers were sent on temporary assignments to help prepare the new plant. Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz told American outlets the raid will push back the launch by two to three months because many workers now want to return home.
record-breaking immigration operation
The Georgia raid was the largest immigration operation in US history. Authorities detained 475 people, including about 300 South Koreans. US immigration officials said the workers lacked legal permits to work. South Korean officials insisted it is standard practice for Korean companies to send staff abroad to set up factories.
Officials in Seoul confirmed the workers are scheduled to fly back on Friday. Their flight had been set for Wednesday but was postponed. Opposition leader Lee Jae Myung said Donald Trump suggested the workers stay to continue training Americans. Only one agreed to the offer.
hyundai plans workforce changes
José Muñoz said Hyundai is now considering how to replace staff who plan to return home. The company underlined that none of the detained workers were directly employed by Hyundai.
LG Energy Solution, which co-runs the Georgia battery plant with Hyundai, said many of its detained staff held visas or entered the United States under the visa waiver programme.
investment commitments questioned
At a press conference on Thursday, President Yoon warned such restrictions could make it harder to build factories in the United States. He said global firms may begin to question whether these large investments remain worth the risk.
The raid has raised doubts about a trade deal finalized earlier this year. Donald Trump had promised to ease tariff threats in exchange for major investment pledges from South Korea.
Hyundai alone committed $26 billion, including a new steel plant in Louisiana. Trump celebrated the project as part of his broader plan to revive US manufacturing with foreign capital.
georgia project hailed as milestone
The raided factory is part of a vast industrial complex in Georgia. The site is expected to create 8,500 jobs and has been described as the most significant economic project in the state’s history.
