Seoul Expresses Concern After ICE Raid Detains South Korean Nationals at Georgia Battery Plant
Seoul, South korea - The South Korean government Friday voiced its concern adn regret after U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained multiple South korean citizens during a raid on a battery plant in Georgia. The facility is a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution,key players in the expanding electric vehicle battery market.
The incident raises questions about the treatment of foreign investors and workers in the United states, particularly as South Korean companies have committed hundreds of billions of dollars in investment within the country. Seoul is urging Washington to respect the “legitimate rights” of its citizens and ensure fair treatment during U.S. law enforcement actions. the raid comes as south Korea seeks to strengthen economic ties with the U.S., having pledged $350 billion in investment in July to address trade concerns.
According to ICE, approximately 450 individuals identified as “unlawful aliens” were detained during Thursday’s enforcement operation at the battery plant site. Yonhap news agency,citing a diplomatic source,reported that over 300 of those detained were South Korean nationals.
“The economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights and interests of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed in the course of US law enforcement,” stated Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong to reporters. Seoul has dispatched diplomatic staff to the site and established a task force to address the situation, and has communicated its concerns directly to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
Hyundai Motor Group declined to comment on the raid, while LG Energy Solution stated it is ”closely monitoring the situation and gathering all relevant details,” emphasizing its commitment to the “safety and well-being of our employees and partners” and full cooperation with authorities. south Korea, a major global economy and producer of automobiles and electronics, has significant manufacturing operations within the United States, representing billions in investment aimed at accessing the U.S. market and mitigating potential tariffs.
