More than 30 Stateside Korean Workers Detained by ICE at Georgia Hyundai Plant Are Returning Home
WASHINGTON – over 30 Korean workers detained last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Hyundai motor manufacturing plant in Bryan County, georgia, are preparing to return to South Korea, according to statements released by both the U.S. State Department and South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. The detentions sparked diplomatic concern from Seoul,which argued the workers were in the U.S. legally to share specialized technology and contribute to american manufacturing revitalization efforts.
The incident underscores the complexities of international economic partnerships and visa regulations, particularly as the U.S. seeks to bolster domestic manufacturing thru foreign investment. The workers’ detention raised questions about the treatment of skilled laborers contributing to U.S. economic goals and prompted a request from South Korea for assurances to prevent similar occurrences. The situation highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and fostering strong international trade relationships.
the ICE raid occurred while the workers were participating in a training program at the Hyundai plant, a key component of the automaker’s expansion in the U.S. South korea’s Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern” over the public disclosure of the detentions, stating it had “deeply hurt and shocked all Koreans.” The ministry’s statement detailed that the workers had come to the U.S. to “share technology and know-how and contribute to the Trump administration’s efforts to revitalize American manufacturing.”
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul directly addressed the issue with U.S. officials, ”strongly requesting the U.S. administration’s special attention and support to ensure that these workers, who are not criminals, can quickly depart the US without physical restraint, such as handcuffs, and that they will not face any disadvantages in future visits to the U.S.” He also proposed the creation of a joint U.S.-South Korean working group to explore preventative measures, including the potential development of new visa categories tailored to facilitate such technology-sharing programs.
The State Department confirmed discussions between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Minister Cho, noting they discussed advancing U.S.-South Korean ties “through a forward-looking agenda” focused on revitalizing American manufacturing through South Korean investment in sectors like shipbuilding and establishing a ”fair and reciprocal trade partnership.” The State Department did not comment directly on the ICE raid itself.
While the exact reasons for the ICE detentions remain unclear, South Korean officials have emphasized the workers’ legal status and their role in supporting U.S. economic objectives.The workers are expected to depart the U.S.in the coming days, and the proposed working group is intended to address the underlying issues that led to the incident and prevent future disruptions to this vital economic collaboration.
