Hundreds Detained in Immigration Raid at Hyundai-LG Battery Plant in Georgia
Savannah, GA - september 8, 2025 – A large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery manufacturing plant in Georgia has resulted in teh detention of hundreds of workers, sparking concern from the South Korean government and a statement from former President Donald Trump.
More than 400 agents participated in the operation, dubbed “Operation Low Voltage,” which took place Friday at the $7.6 billion plant in Bryan County, Georgia, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Margaret Heap. The plant, a joint venture between South Korean companies Hyundai and LG Energy Solution, employs over 1,200 people and began production of electric vehicles less than two years after construction began in 2022.
Authorities detained 47 employees of LG Energy Solution, along wiht an additional 250 workers employed by contractors and subcontractors, according to officials. The arrested workers were not direct employees of Hyundai, the company stated.
the raid is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to increase worksite enforcement of immigration laws. Speaking on “State of the Union” Sunday, a Trump administration official stated they would “continue focusing on workplaces” and that companies hiring undocumented workers “undercut their competition that’s paying U.S. citizen salaries.”
U.S. Attorney Heap stated the operation aims “to reduce illegal employment and prevent employers from gaining an unfair advantage by hiring unauthorized workers,” and also “to protect unauthorized workers from exploitation.”
The South Korean government expressed its concerns to the U.S.Embassy, urging them to ensure the rights of its citizens were not violated. “In the course of U.S.law enforcement, the economic activities of our investment firms and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed upon,” said Lee Jae-woong, a spokesperson for South korea’s foreign ministry.Former President Trump addressed the situation in a post on Truth Social, calling on foreign companies investing in the U.S. to ”please respect our Nation’s immigration Laws.” He added, “Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people…to build World Class products…What we ask in return is that you hire and train american Workers.” Trump also asserted to reporters Sunday that the raid was unrelated to economic ties between the U.S. and South Korea, stating the two countries have “a great relationship.”
Hyundai told NBC News Monday morning that business travel to the U.S. remains in place, though some trips are now subject to internal review.
