South Korea is preparing to repatriate about 300 of its citizens detained in a large-scale U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, officials in Seoul confirmed on Sunday.
The operation, conducted last Thursday by U.S. federal agents, resulted in the arrest of 475 workers, marking the largest single-site workplace enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Nearly 300 of those detained were South Korean nationals.
South Korea’s presidential office said negotiations with U.S. authorities had concluded and processing for the release of the workers was underway. A chartered aircraft will be sent to bring them home once formalities are completed. According to Yonhap News Agency, citing Consul General Cho Ki-joong, the group could depart as early as Wednesday.
The $4.3 billion Hyundai–LG Energy Solution facility is one of Georgia’s largest-ever economic development projects. The raid came less than two weeks after a U.S.–South Korea presidential summit, where both leaders pledged stronger economic and business cooperation.
Seoul expressed concern over the arrests and the release of footage showing workers shackled and escorted by U.S. agents. DHS said the raid was carried out under a judicial warrant linked to alleged unlawful employment practices, noting that many workers lacked legal authorization to work in the country.
White House border adviser Tom Homan said the Trump administration would expand workplace immigration enforcement, part of a broader push to increase deportations since January.
South Korea’s presidential chief of staff Kang Hun-sik said the government would review overseas employment visa systems to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution has suspended most staff travel to the U.S. and recalled some employees already on assignment.
The incident has created diplomatic tensions as both governments move to finalize a trade agreement announced in July, which includes a $350 billion fund to support Korean businesses in the U.S. Hyundai has pledged $26 billion in additional U.S. investments, including a new robotics facility.
President Trump is expected to visit South Korea in October for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which could provide an opportunity for further discussions on the matter.
