300 South Korean Workers Return Home Following US Immigration Raid, Hyundai-LG Plant Faces Multi-Month Delay

Over 300 South Korean workers returned to Incheon International Airport on Friday, September 12, 2025, a week after being detained in a large-scale US immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia. The incident, which saw 475 individuals taken into custody, has sparked widespread outrage in South Korea and raised concerns over the future of significant South Korean investments in the United States.

The raid, conducted on September 4 by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies, targeted workers suspected of unlawful employment practices. Authorities alleged that many workers were using B1 business visas and visa waiver programs (ESTA) for actual employment, rather than permitted activities like meetings or training. Images of workers being led away in handcuffs and shackles further fueled public anger in South Korea.

South Korean companies, including LG Energy Solution and its subcontractors, have historically relied on a "grey zone" interpretation of visa rules due to difficulties in obtaining official H-1B work visas for specialist staff. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned that the situation could make Korean businesses "hesitate to make direct investments" if visa issues are not resolved quickly.

The return of the workers, many of whom were employed by LG Energy Solution or its subcontractors, has cast a shadow over the $7.6 billion Hyundai-LG battery plant project. Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz stated that the plant is now facing a minimum startup delay of two to three months. An engineer for an LGES subcontractor, Jang Young-seon, reflected the sentiment of many, stating, > "Nobody is going to stay and work when it's like this."

The diplomatic fallout has been significant, with South Korea's foreign minister traveling to Washington to negotiate the workers' release and discuss the creation of a new visa category for South Korean professionals. While US President Donald Trump initially offered to let workers stay to train Americans, the majority chose to return home, highlighting the deep impact of the raid on morale and international relations.