Story perspectives

Visa Raid Sparks Exodus of South Korean Workers

9/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

South Korean workers are leaving LG Energy Solution's U.S. battery sites due to visa concerns following an immigration raid on September 4 that detained 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans.
The raid, conducted by ICE, has strained diplomatic relations and delayed construction at Hyundai's Georgia battery plant by at least two months.
LG Energy Solution has urged subcontractors to hire local workers to lessen the impact on U.S. investments.
South Korean officials worry the raid damages trust in U.S. investment opportunities.
Georgia officials stress the need to maintain strong ties with South Korea in light of the incident.

History

Historical Context

The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act aimed to reduce illegal immigration by penalizing employers. This led to significant immigration raids, including the 2006 Swift & Company operation, which detained over 1,200 workers. The recent ICE raid on September 4, 2023, at Hyundai's Georgia plant, which detained 475 workers, has reignited tensions between the U.S. and South Korea, impacting foreign investment.

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Story summary

South Korean workers are leaving LG Energy Solution's U.S. battery sites due to visa concerns following an immigration raid on September 4 that detained 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans.
The raid, conducted by ICE, has strained diplomatic relations and delayed construction at Hyundai's Georgia battery plant by at least two months.
LG Energy Solution has urged subcontractors to hire local workers to lessen the impact on U.S. investments.
South Korean officials worry the raid damages trust in U.S. investment opportunities.
Georgia officials stress the need to maintain strong ties with South Korea in light of the incident.

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