Jakarta – an Indonesian citizen, identified only as CHT, was among those detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia, United States, on Friday, September 5, 2025. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance.
CHT was attending a meeting with Hyundai representatives at the time of the raid, according to Judha Nugraha, Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of labor practices within the rapidly expanding electric vehicle battery industry in the U.S., and the potential impact on foreign workers. The Ministry is working to ascertain the details of CHT’s detention and ensure their rights are protected.
Nugraha stated that CHT possessed valid documentation for a one-month business trip to the U.S.,including a passport,visa,and an invitation from the company. “CHT has a business trip plan for 1 month in the US and is equipped with passport documents, visas and invitations from the company,” he said.
The Indonesian Consulate General in Houston has contacted CHT and colleagues at the Hyundai Mega Site Battery Plant, as well as the Folkston ICE Processing Center in Georgia, where CHT is being held. As of Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Consulate General has not received detailed information from ICE regarding the situation.
CHT is one of three employees of PT. HLI Green Power who were present at the meeting with Hyundai. The Consulate General in Houston is providing assistance to CHT.(dek/dek)