In brief
In a significant diplomatic move, South Korea's government confirmed it has reached an agreement with the United States for the release of its nationals detained in a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai battery manufacturing plant in Georgia. Following a substantial effort, including plans for a chartered flight to bring the detainees home, South Korean officials are also looking to reform visa protocols to avoid future incidents. The raid, which captured national and international attention, involved the detention of 475 individuals, primarily South Korean nationals, and has raised concerns about its impact on foreign investment amidst ongoing trade discussions between the two nations.
South Korea's government says it has reached an agreement with the US to release its citizens detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
The chief of staff of South Korea's president said a chartered plane would be sent to bring the detainees home if administration procedures were completed.
Kang Hoon-sik said the authorities were trying to improve the visa system to prevent such incidents in the future.
US officials detained 475 people - more than 300 of them South Korean nationals - who they said were found to be illegally working at the battery facility, one of the largest foreign investment projects in the state.
The White House has defended the operation, dismissing concerns that the raid could deter foreign investment.
They were illegal aliens and ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] was just doing its job, President Donald Trump said following the raids on Friday.
Video released by ICE officials showed Asian workers shackled in front of a building, with some wearing yellow vests with names such as Hyundai and LG CNS.
People on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the US, ICE said, adding that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs.
South Korea, a close US ally, has pledged tens of billions of dollars in American manufacturing investment, partly to offset tariffs.
The timing of the raid, as the two governments engage in sensitive trade talks, has raised concern in Seoul.
LG Energy Solution, which operates the plant with Hyundai, stated that many of the arrested LG employees were on business trips. Following the incident, the company announced a suspension of most business trips to the US.
The factory, which makes new electric vehicles, had been touted by Georgia's Republican governor as the biggest economic development project in the state's history, employing 1,200 workers.
The arrested individuals are currently being held at an ICE facility in Folkston, Georgia.
