Executives among those detained in Hyundai plant raid: NYT

Executives among those detained in Hyundai plant raid: NYT

On Thursday, federal agents conducted a sweeping immigration operation at the construction site of a Hyundai battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, resulting in the apprehension of hundreds of undocumented immigrants. The raid, one of the largest ICE operations at a single site in the agency's 22-year history, halted construction of the facility, which is being built to produce batteries for electric vehicles [1].

Approximately 450 people were apprehended, including executives, construction workers, and other employees. The raid was part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes. Law enforcement agencies, including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, the Georgia State Patrol, the FBI, DEA, and ATF, executed a search warrant [1].

The Hyundai Metaplant electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Ellabell, Georgia, has been touted by Georgia's governor as the largest economic development site in the state's history. Hyundai has cooperated with law enforcement and is committed to abiding by all labor and immigration regulations [1].

The same day, hundreds of miles away in upstate New York, dozens of workers at a family-owned plant that makes nutrition bars were also apprehended during an ICE raid. The raid drew the ire of Gov. Kathy Hochul, who condemned the operation [2].

The raids come as Chicago leaders prepare for a possible National Guard deployment in step with an expected immigration enforcement operation in the city. The New York Times reported that more than 70 workers were detained at the Nutrition Bar Confectioners plant in Cato [2].

ICE confirmed that the raids were part of court-authorized enforcement actions, emphasizing the agency's commitment to protecting workers' rights and upholding US laws. The raids have sparked outrage from migrant advocacy groups and local politicians, who argue that such operations will not make New York safer and will shatter hard-working families [2].

References:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/05/us/georgia-plant-ice-raid-hundreds-arrested-hnk
[2] https://dunyanews.tv/en/World/904795-dozens-detained-in-us-immigration-raids-in-new-york-state-governor-sa