Federal law enforcement performs extensive action at Hyundai's manufacturing plant in Georgia, resulting in the apprehension of 475 individuals

In a dramatic turn of events, the Department of Homeland Security, along with several other federal and state authorities, executed the largest immigration raid in their history at the HL-GA Battery Company in Ellabell, Georgia. The raid, part of President Donald Trump's controversial crackdown on unlawful immigration, resulted in the arrest of 475 individuals, primarily Korean workers, for alleged immigration violations such as entering the U.S. unlawfully, overstaying visas, and working unlawfully.

The HL-GA Battery Company, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, is located next to Hyundai's "Metaplant" and is a significant part of the South Korean conglomerate's $26 billion investment in the U.S. The Metaplant, which employs 1,200 people and is expected to increase that number to as many as 8,500 jobs with the help of onsite suppliers, is the crown jewel of Hyundai Group's commitment to the U.S.

The raid comes at a delicate time in South Korea's relationship with the U.S., as President Trump hosted South Korean president Lee Jae Myung at the White House just over a week ago. Concerned about the implications of the raid, the South Korean government has sent diplomatic and consular officials to the site and contacted the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

The HL-GA Battery Company was to open by the end of this year or early 2026 and was expected to supply batteries for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 EV SUVs. The company, which is cooperating with the authorities, has paused construction in the aftermath of the raid.

The multi-month criminal investigation leading to the raid involved not only the Department of Homeland Security's Investigation division but also the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Georgia State Police, and others. Some of the people arrested worked for subcontractors and not directly for either parent company.

No charges have been filed yet as the investigation continues. The Metaplant, with its expansive co-located supplier network covering 2,900 acres and representing the largest single economic development in Georgia's history, remains operational. Together, these investments are estimated to create 25,000 jobs.

This raid marks a significant event in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration and employment practices in the U.S. As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this incident impacts the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea, as well as the future of Hyundai's investments in the country.