Immigration Raid at Hyundai EV Plant in Georgia Draws Criticism
Federal agents conducted a raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Bryan County, Georgia, on Thursday, resulting in the detention of multiple individuals. The raid targeted both the EV plant and a future battery plant site operated by HL-GA battery co., a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution.
The search warrants sought a wide range of documentation, including employment records, personnel files, payroll data, bank account details, timecards, visual records of workers, and immigration documents like Social Security cards, visas, passports, and birth certificates. agents also targeted records related to the ownership and management of construction companies and contractors involved in the projects. The documents identified four individuals as “target persons” for search purposes.The timing of the raid has sparked controversy. The Democratic Party of Georgia condemned the action as “politically-motivated fear tactics” aimed at intimidating workers who contribute to the state’s economy and communities.
Georgia Republican officials, including Governor Brian Kemp, who previously welcomed Hyundai and celebrated the plant’s opening, stated that all employers in the state are expected to comply with the law.
The hyundai EV plant, which began production in September 2023, is located on a 3,000-acre site in a rural area of Bryan County, drawing workers from surrounding communities like Savannah. Some local residents, like Ellabell resident Tanya Cox, expressed concern that the plant has not created enough jobs for local residents and has negatively impacted the surrounding environment.
During a White House event in march, hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung credited former President Trump with influencing the company’s decision to build the EV factory in Georgia, stating the investment was initiated during a 2019 meeting with Trump in Seoul.
As of Friday, Hyundai stated it was “working to understand the specific circumstances” of the raid and detentions, and indicated that, to their knowledge, none of those detained were directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company. LG stated it was “closely monitoring the situation and gathering all relevant details” and could not immediately confirm the number of affected employees.HL-GA Battery Co. stated it is “cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities.”
Operations at the EV plant were not interrupted by the raid. The battery plant is scheduled to open next year. The number of individuals in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody reached a record high of over 60,000 in August, and those fighting deportation may face continued detention as their cases proceed through immigration court. Federal data indicates 1.2 million immigrants entered the country between January and July,encompassing both legal residents and those in the country illegally.
