Atlanta: A major construction project by Hyundai Motor in Georgia has come to an abrupt halt following a large-scale immigration enforcement operation, which led to the detention of hundreds of workers at the site. The facility, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution, was set to be one of the largest car battery factories in the United States, signaling a significant investment in the region.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, involved multiple U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports indicate that between 450 to 560 workers were detained, with around 300 identified as South Korean nationals. The precise number of detentions remains under verification, as officials continue processing those affected.
South Korean authorities have voiced concern over the impact on their citizens and emphasized the protection of Korean nationals abroad. A government spokesperson highlighted that many South Korean workers were caught in the sweep and that diplomatic channels were being engaged to address the situation.
The enforcement action has sparked discussions about the balance between strict immigration policies and the need to attract foreign investment to the United States. Hyundaiās halted project is a key part of the companyās push into the U.S. electric vehicle market, and the pause could have broader implications for the timeline and operations of the plant.
Industry analysts note that the disruption underscores the challenges multinational companies face in navigating U.S. immigration enforcement policies, particularly as the country seeks to both secure its labor regulations and foster economic growth. Discussions between U.S. and South Korean officials are expected to continue as both sides assess the fallout from the detentions.