Hyundai Facility Raid in Georgia Detains 475; Largest HSI Enforcement Action in History

Federal authorities recently conducted an extensive immigration enforcement operation at a Hyundai facility in Georgia, resulting in the detention of 475 individuals suspected of illegal residency and employment in the U.S. The action was part of an ongoing investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) into allegations of unlawful employment practices at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site. Located in Bryan County, the plant is part of a $7.6 billion investment by Hyundai Motor Group and is poised to become a significant contributor to the local economy by creating thousands of jobs.

The operation, which stands as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of HSI, involved several branches of federal law enforcement, including ICE, FBI, DEA, ATF, and Georgia State Patrol. Agents executed a judicial search warrant to address suspected violations that include overstaying visas or working without proper authorization. Steven Schrank, the special agent in charge of HSI in Georgia, clarified that the raid focused on contractors and subcontractors at the site rather than Hyundai employees directly.

Hyundai representatives have expressed their cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Michael Stewart, a spokesperson for Hyundai, reiterated the company’s commitment to adhering to all labor and immigration regulations. Construction at the adjacent battery plant site was halted as a result of the enforcement action, a move made to assist law enforcement efforts. Hyundai's electric vehicle manufacturing operations, however, experienced no disruptions.

The South Korean foreign ministry has formally addressed the incident, urging the U.S. to ensure the fair treatment of its nationals during the enforcement process. The ministry dispatched diplomatic personnel to the site to protect the rights and interests of its citizens. The Hyundai-LG partnership, in particular, has received significant attention given the substantial South Korean investment in the U.S. and the project's projected impact on the Georgia economy.

While no charges have been filed at this time, the investigation highlights the Trump administration's broad crackdown on immigration practices within workplaces, aiming to protect American jobs and ensure legal compliance. The enterprise in Georgia, being the governor-promoted largest state economic development project, exemplifies the federal government’s stern approach to regulating labor practices in significant industrial investments.

Authorities intend to uphold the law by holding accountable any individuals or entities found to be exploiting workers unlawfully. This aligns with their stated commitment to maintaining economic integrity and fair competition within the state and nationally.

The operation received considerable attention, with images shared by federal agencies showing the orderly detention of workers. The event underscores the legal obligations faced by corporations undertaking large-scale projects, particularly with international partnerships.

Going forward, Hyundai and its associates, including LG Energy Solution in South Korea, will continue to engage with U.S. authorities to address and resolve any outstanding issues and ensure compliance with all relevant laws as they advance their industrial endeavors in the United States.