South Korean Delegation Heads to the U.S. to Negotiate Release of Detained Workers
South Korea’s foreign minister is set to visit the United States on Monday to negotiate the return of hundreds of South Korean nationals detained in Georgia. Last week, U.S. officials apprehended 475 individuals, over 300 of whom were South Koreans, for allegedly working illegally at a car battery plant being developed by Hyundai and LG. This incident has raised concerns about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on foreign investment, particularly as South Korea has recently committed to significant investments in the U.S. economy.
Details of the Detention
The recent raid, which took place at a facility under construction by Hyundai and LG, has drawn significant attention. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a total of 475 people, with more than 300 identified as South Korean nationals. The operation is part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized immigration initiated under President Donald Trump’s administration. The facility, which is one of the largest foreign investment projects in Georgia, aims to produce electric vehicle batteries and has been touted as a major economic development initiative for the state.
The South Korean government has expressed “concern and regret” regarding the operation, urging U.S. authorities to respect the rights of its citizens. The detained workers are currently being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia. Video footage released by ICE depicted several Asian workers in restraints, some wearing vests marked with the names of their employers, Hyundai and LG CNS. ICE officials stated that individuals on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the U.S., emphasizing that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs.
Efforts for Release
In response to the detentions, South Korea’s government has been actively working to secure the release of the detained workers. Over the weekend, officials reached an agreement with U.S. authorities to arrange a chartered flight for their return. However, the specifics regarding the timing and logistics of this operation are still being finalized. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who is traveling to the U.S. to address the situation, has briefed the South Korean parliament on the complexities of obtaining work visas in the U.S. and is focused on ensuring that the detained workers are returned voluntarily rather than facing deportation.
The South Korean government has been under pressure to resolve the issue quickly, especially given the recent commitment to invest billions of dollars in the U.S. to bolster electric vehicle battery production. This incident has raised questions about the feasibility of foreign companies relocating manufacturing operations to the U.S. if they cannot bring in necessary specialized workers.
Reactions and Implications
The raid has sparked significant backlash in South Korea, with media outlets describing the operation as a “shock” to the nation. The Dong-A Ilbo newspaper warned that such actions could have a “chilling effect” on the activities of South Korean businesses operating in the United States. LG Energy Solution, which operates the plant alongside Hyundai, reported that many of its detained employees were on business trips with valid visas or under a visa waiver program. In light of the incident, LG has decided to suspend most business trips to the U.S. and has directed employees currently on assignment there to return home immediately.
The factory in question, which is expected to create approximately 1,200 jobs, has been highlighted by Georgia’s Republican governor as the largest economic development project in the state’s history. The ongoing tensions surrounding this incident may complicate future foreign investments and collaborations between South Korea and the U.S., particularly in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector.
Government Stance and Future Outlook
Despite the backlash, the White House has defended the ICE operation, asserting that it will not deter foreign investment in the U.S. President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, stated that the U.S. would facilitate the legal entry of foreign companies’ technical talent, provided they also commit to hiring and training American workers. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect U.S.-South Korea relations and the broader landscape of foreign investment in the American economy.
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