Georgia EV Battery Plant Raid Followed by Trump’s affirmation of Skilled Foreign Worker Value
SAVANNAH, GA - Days after a large-scale ICE raid at a Hyundai-LG Energy Solution electric vehicle battery factory construction site in Georgia resulted in the apprehension of 475 workers, primarily Korean nationals, former President Donald Trump signaled a welcoming stance toward foreign professionals contributing to U.S. manufacturing. the raid,conducted on February 4th,targeted individuals accused of visa violations – overstays or working outside their authorized visa parameters.
While authorities did not ultimately carry out deportations, images of workers in handcuffs and shackles sparked outrage in South Korea, prompting Seoul to arrange a special flight to repatriate workers on February 12th.South Korean President Lee Jae-ming labeled the raid “confusing” on February 11th,expressing concern about its potential chilling effect on future South Korean investment in the United States.
In a recent social media post, Trump acknowledged the role of foreign expertise in developing “extremely complex products,” including “digitals, semiconductors, computers, ships, trains, and many other products that we have to learn from others how to make.” He stated, “We welcome them, we welcome their employees, and we are willing to say proudly that we are willing to learn from them. One day in the near future, we will become more triumphant in the ‘field’ they are good at.”
The Georgia raid was the largest single-site enforcement action under the current governance, which has prioritized increased immigration enforcement as January.