[VT September 8, 2025] The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with multiple federal law enforcement agencies, carried out a large-scale raid on the Hyundai plant and nearby battery factory construction site on September 4, detaining 475 immigrants suspected of unlawful residency or employment. The operation is considered one of the largest single-site workplace enforcement actions in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Operation Details
The raid was executed under a federal search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation focused on illegal employment practices and potential federal crimes. Most of those detained were of South Korean nationality, along with individuals from China, Japan, Indonesia, and one Mexican green card holder who was deemed removable due to multiple criminal convictions.
The operation involved ICE Special Agents alongside the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), IRS, and the Georgia State Patrol. Officers entered the sites with warrants, halted construction, and verified workers’ identities. The Georgia State Police assisted with road closures to ensure the operation ran smoothly.
HSI Georgia and Alabama Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank said, “We welcome all companies who want to invest in the U.S., and if they need to bring workers in for building or other projects, that’s fine — but they need to do it the legal way. This operation sends a clear message: those who exploit the system will be held accountable.”
Official Statements
- ICE: The agency emphasized the operation aims to protect American jobs, maintain fair competition for law-abiding businesses, and prevent worker exploitation. Schrank added, “This is not primarily about immigration status — it is about accountability under the law.”
- Hyundai: Stated that none of the detainees were direct employees and committed to reviewing contractors and subcontractors to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
- LG Energy Solution: Is verifying the situation, highlighting employee safety as a priority and pledging full cooperation with the investigation.
Controversy and Impact
- Union Response: The Georgia AFL-CIO condemned the raid as “politically motivated harassment,” warning it could heighten fear among immigrant workers and disrupt normal production.
- South Korean Government: Officials were dispatched to ensure the protection of South Korean nationals and to prevent any negative impact on Korean business investment.
- Economic Effect: Hyundai’s plant represents Georgia’s largest economic investment (approximately $7.6 billion). The raid temporarily halted battery factory construction but did not affect the electric vehicle production line.
Background and Follow-Up
The operation continues the Trump administration’s focus on workplace immigration enforcement. According to Pew Research Center data, over 1.2 million immigrants (both legal and illegal) have left the U.S. labor market in 2025. ICE encourages the public to report illegal employment or related crimes via its tip line and online form to protect communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
