U.S. immigration raids result in the repatriation of South Koreans to Seoul - United States: South Korean Authorities Plan to Return South Korean Nationals Detained in Immigration Arrest
In a move that has sparked controversy, masked agents from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conducted a raid on a battery plant under construction by Hyundai and LG companies in Ellabell, Georgia. The raid, which took place on a Sunday, was the largest at a single location as part of the nationwide crackdown on migrants ordered by US President Donald Trump.
During the raid, over 300 South Korean workers were detained. Among these were 47 employees of LG, including 46 South Koreans and one Indonesian. Hyundai, however, stated that none of the detainees were its employees.
The South Korean government, led by cabinet chief Kang Hoonsik, flew to Georgia on Saturday in an attempt to secure the immediate release and repatriation of the LG and partner company employees. Negotiations resulted in an agreement for the workers' release and repatriation by charter flight.
Images released by the US immigration agency showed the detained workers being taken to a prisoner transport vehicle in handcuffs and with chains around their ankles.
The nationwide crackdown on migrants has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it is unnecessary and inhumane. During his presidential campaign, Trump promised to strictly enforce immigration laws, a promise he has since fulfilled.
South Korea, the world's fourth-largest economy, has invested billions in setting up new factories in the US. Hyundai Motor is one of the major companies in South Korea with investments in the US. The South Korean government had previously pledged investments worth $350 billion to ease US President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs.
Despite the controversy, the prompt release of the detained workers is now the top priority. The future of the construction project and the relationship between the US and South Korea remains uncertain.
Read also:
- Peptide YY (PYY): Exploring its Role in Appetite Suppression, Intestinal Health, and Cognitive Links
- Easing Pedestrian Traffic Signal Pressure
- Astral Lore and Celestial Arrangements: Defining Terms & In-Depth Insights - Historical Accounts & Glossary of Cosmic Mythology
- ICE directed to enhance detention conditions following NYC immigrants' allegations of maltreatment
