Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Sep 09, 2025
Outside the box.
South Korea Charters Plane to Repatriate Workers After U.S. Battery Factory Raid
More than three hundred South Korean nationals detained in Georgia are set for return amid diplomatic negotiations
South Korea has arranged a chartered flight to repatriate over three hundred of its nationals detained during a sweeping U.S. immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai–LG electric vehicle battery plant under construction in Georgia.
The raid—conducted on September 4, 2025, and described as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—resulted in approximately four hundred seventy-five detentions, more than three hundred of whom were South Korean nationals.
The site involved is part of a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Ellabell, Georgia.
Many of those detained were found to be working without proper authorisations, including visa overstays or misuse of the Visa Waiver Program.
South Korea’s government voiced strong regret over the incident, emphasising that the rights of its nationals and the operational integrity of its companies must be preserved.
It immediately dispatched diplomatic teams to Washington and Atlanta, and confirmed that administrative procedures for the voluntary return of detainees were in progress.
A diplomatic agreement has been reached between Seoul and Washington facilitating the release and repatriation of the detained South Koreans.
The details are being finalised, with a chartered flight scheduled once formal approvals are completed.
The action has raised concerns over the reputational and operational impact on foreign investment in the United States.
In response, LG Energy Solution has suspended non-essential U.S. business trips, and Seoul has called for improved visa processes for skilled workers to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to immigration enforcement while assuring that legal foreign investment remains welcome.
This episode underscores the delicate balance between enforcing immigration laws and sustaining international business collaboration.
South Korea’s swift response and diplomatic engagement aim to preserve bilateral economic ties, ensuring that workers are protected and investments secured.
The raid—conducted on September 4, 2025, and described as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—resulted in approximately four hundred seventy-five detentions, more than three hundred of whom were South Korean nationals.
The site involved is part of a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Ellabell, Georgia.
Many of those detained were found to be working without proper authorisations, including visa overstays or misuse of the Visa Waiver Program.
South Korea’s government voiced strong regret over the incident, emphasising that the rights of its nationals and the operational integrity of its companies must be preserved.
It immediately dispatched diplomatic teams to Washington and Atlanta, and confirmed that administrative procedures for the voluntary return of detainees were in progress.
A diplomatic agreement has been reached between Seoul and Washington facilitating the release and repatriation of the detained South Koreans.
The details are being finalised, with a chartered flight scheduled once formal approvals are completed.
The action has raised concerns over the reputational and operational impact on foreign investment in the United States.
In response, LG Energy Solution has suspended non-essential U.S. business trips, and Seoul has called for improved visa processes for skilled workers to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials reaffirmed their commitment to immigration enforcement while assuring that legal foreign investment remains welcome.
This episode underscores the delicate balance between enforcing immigration laws and sustaining international business collaboration.
South Korea’s swift response and diplomatic engagement aim to preserve bilateral economic ties, ensuring that workers are protected and investments secured.
