ICE raid on Hyundai plant in Georgia sparks international uproar as key ally South Korea condemns ‘unfair infringement’. CNN
Federal agents carried out one of the largest immigration raids in recent years at Hyundai’s massive electric vehicle plant in Georgia, detaining 475 workers suspected of violating U.S. immigration laws. The operation unfolded Thursday at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, about 25 miles west of Savannah.
Officials from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confirmed that most of those arrested were South Korean nationals, though no detailed nationality breakdown was released. The arrests were linked to various immigration violations, including overstayed visas, unauthorized work, and illegal entry into the country.
Chaotic Scenes During the Raid
Witnesses described chaotic moments as heavily armed agents stormed the sprawling 2,900-acre site. Some workers attempted to flee, with several running into a sewage pond to evade capture. Federal agents used boats to retrieve them.
The Hyundai Metaplant electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Ellabell, Georgia, is seen on June 11. (Getty Images)
“One individual swam under the boat and tried to flip it over,” a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed. “These individuals were later identified as undocumented workers.”
Construction workers on-site said the atmosphere resembled a “war zone.” One worker recalled being ordered against a wall before being processed by agents who demanded Social Security numbers and identification details. Workers cleared for departure were given papers stamped “clear to depart.”
Another worker shared that he hid inside an air duct to avoid being caught.
Investigation Months in the Making
Authorities emphasized that the raid was not a random sweep. “This has been a multi-month criminal investigation,” HSI Special Agent Steven Schrank said. “We gathered evidence, conducted interviews, and secured judicial search warrants before acting.”
The large-scale operation was supported by multiple agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Georgia State Patrol. Court documents revealed investigators were seeking records related to possible conspiracies to conceal or harbor undocumented workers. Four individuals were specifically identified in the search warrants.
Despite the arrests, officials confirmed that no charges have been filed yet, underscoring that the investigation remains ongoing.
Hyundai Distances Itself from Arrested Workers
Hyundai released a statement stressing that none of those detained were believed to be direct employees of the company. The automaker said many of those arrested may have been contractors or subcontractors.
“Hyundai is committed to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where we operate,” the company said. “We demand the same from all contractors and subcontractors. We have zero tolerance for those who fail to follow the law.”
Hyundai Motor North America confirmed that its Chief Manufacturing Officer, Chris Susock, will oversee the Metaplant moving forward, with an internal review underway to ensure supply partners meet compliance standards.
The massive facility includes both Hyundai’s EV manufacturing site and a battery plant built in partnership with LG. The raid brought construction on the battery plant to a temporary halt.
South Korea Expresses Concern
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry voiced concern, confirming that many of its citizens were among those detained. Spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said Seoul had raised the issue with the U.S. Embassy, urging that the rights of Korean nationals be respected during law enforcement actions.
A worker determined to be in the country legally shows a pass given to him by authorities raiding the Hyundai-LG battery plant n Ellabell, Georgia, September 5, 2025. Image via CNN
Immigration attorneys in Georgia said some detainees entered under visa waiver programs and were in the U.S. for short-term technical assignments. “They were here to advise on projects and planned to return home soon,” attorney Charles Kuck told media.
Political Reactions in the U.S.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who had championed the Hyundai Metaplant as a major economic win for the state, defended the raid. His office released a statement saying, “Georgia will always enforce state and federal immigration laws. We will continue partnering with federal agencies when necessary.”
Meanwhile, in New York, a separate ICE raid on the same day targeted a nutrition bar factory in Cato. Witnesses said nearly 70 workers were detained, sparking outrage from Governor Kathy Hochul, who condemned the operation as harmful to families.
ICE raids a food plant in Cato, New York. Rural & Migrant Ministry)
US immigration authorities conduct a raid in Ellabell, Georgia, September 5, 2025. (CNN)
Broader Immigration Crackdown
The Georgia and New York raids reflect a broader shift in immigration enforcement. Former acting ICE director John Sandweg told to media that federal agents appear more focused on workplace raids than targeting criminal suspects.
“What we’ve seen so far are arrests of ordinary economic migrants,” Sandweg said. “Not gang members, not convicted felons — just people working to build a life here.”
The Hyundai raid stands as the largest workplace immigration operation to date under the current administration, sending shockwaves through Georgia’s business community and drawing international attention from Seoul.
