On Thursday, U.S. immigration authorities executed a significant raid at the Hyundai manufacturing facility located in southeast Georgia, which is primarily focused on producing electric vehicles (EVs). This operation resulted in the temporary shutdown of construction at a nearby factory dedicated to EV battery production.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the operation via a post on X, indicating their collaboration with various federal agencies, including HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), FBI, DEA, and ICE. The enforcement action at the Hyundai mega site in Bryan County, Georgia, led to the apprehension of approximately 450 unlawful aliens, reinforcing the authorities' commitment to ensuring community safety.
This raid targeted one of Georgia's most significant manufacturing sites, which has been celebrated by state officials as the largest economic development initiative in Georgia's history. Hyundai Motor Group commenced EV production at the $7.6 billion facility just one year ago, employing around 1,200 individuals.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson Lindsay Williams confirmed that the enforcement operation was focused specifically on the construction site for the battery plant. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement indicating that agents executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations concerning unlawful employment practices and other serious federal offenses.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry responded to the raid, emphasizing that the economic activities of Korean investment companies should not be unjustly affected by U.S. law enforcement actions. In an effort to address the situation, the Ministry announced that they would dispatch representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the Consulate General in Atlanta to the site. They also expressed concerns about the potential infringement on the rights and interests of Korean citizens.
To facilitate this operation, the Georgia State Patrol blocked access to roads leading to the Hyundai site. The Georgia Department of Public Safety confirmed their support for federal authorities during this investigation. Social media footage captured the moment when a man identified as a Homeland Security officer informed workers in yellow safety vests that they were required to cease all operations immediately due to the search warrant.
This incident is part of broader immigration enforcement efforts that have intensified under the Trump administration, which has prioritized mass deportation strategies. According to the Pew Research Center, preliminary data from the Census Bureau indicates that the U.S. labor force has seen a loss of over 1.2 million immigrants from January to July this year, encompassing both undocumented individuals and legal residents.
In addition to manufacturing electric vehicles at the site, Hyundai has partnered with LG Energy Solution to construct the battery plant, which is expected to commence operations next year. The joint venture, known as HL-GA Battery Company, has stated that they are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and have temporarily halted construction activities in light of the ongoing investigation. However, LG Energy Solution Ltd. has refrained from commenting on the raid when approached by CBS News.
Despite the significant raid, operations at Hyundai's EV manufacturing plant were not disrupted, according to plant spokesperson Bianca Johnson. She confirmed that the raid did not affect employees' ability to report to work, as production and regular office hours were already underway when authorities initiated the search.
This event highlights ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S., particularly within critical sectors like manufacturing, which play a vital role in the economy. The Hyundai site, with its significant investment in electric vehicle technology, remains a focal point of economic development in Georgia, even amidst these legal and enforcement challenges.
