On September 10, 2025, about 300 South Korean workers detained in a U.S. immigration raid in Georgia will leave the United States at around 2:30 p.m. (1830 GMT) on a chartered flight, a source familiar with the matter said.
The raid targeted a $4.3 billion Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant project for electric vehicles.
Details of the Workers’ Departure
Raid and Detention
- The workers, mostly employees of subcontractors, were detained last week at the project site in Georgia.
- They are currently held in a U.S. immigration detention facility.
- A chartered plane left South Korea for Atlanta on Wednesday morning to bring them back.
- The workers will travel by bus to Atlanta airport early Wednesday before boarding.
- A smaller number of Japanese and Chinese nationals detained in the same raid will also join the flight, per South Korean media.
Government Response
- South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Korean companies in Washington and pledged to ensure the workers’ safe return.
- Cho assured there would be no barriers to their future re-entry to the U.S.
- The foreign ministry did not immediately comment on the departure.
Diplomatic Efforts and Visa Concerns
High-Level Meetings
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Foreign Minister Cho at the White House on Wednesday.
- Korean businesses, including Hyundai and LG, urged clearer visa guidelines for skilled workers to support U.S. operations.
- They highlighted strict U.S. visa limits that hinder factory construction oversight and local workforce training.
Trump’s Statement and White House Update
- On Sunday, President Donald Trump posted on social media that the U.S. would “quickly and legally” allow foreign companies to bring staff if they follow immigration laws.
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt reiterated this on Tuesday, noting collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Commerce.
Why This Matters
The incident underscores tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement amid major foreign investments like the Hyundai-LG EV battery plant.
South Korea’s swift response and ongoing U.S. talks could lead to visa reforms, easing challenges for Korean firms expanding in America and supporting economic ties.
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