US Raids Hyundai-LG Plant in Georgia, 475 Arrested

US federal agents have arrested 475 people, mostly South Koreans, in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia, officials said Friday.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, was described as the largest single-site enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It followed a criminal probe into alleged unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes.

Steven Schrank, an HSI special agent in Atlanta, said those detained were “illegally present in the United States” and “working unlawfully.” He confirmed that the majority of the 475 were South Korean nationals.

The detainees have been handed over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for possible deportation. “We are sending a clear and unequivocal message that those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy, and violate federal laws will be held accountable,” Schrank said.

South Korea expressed “concern and regret” over the raid, urging Washington to respect the rights of its citizens. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said, “The economic activities of our investors and the legitimate rights of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed during US law enforcement.”

A source in Seoul said around 300 South Koreans were among those detained.

The Georgia facility is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution, intended to supply batteries for electric vehicles. South Korean firms have invested billions of dollars in US factories to secure access to the American market and counter tariff threats.

Hyundai said it was “closely monitoring” the situation and clarified that none of those detained were directly employed by the company. LG Energy Solution also said it was gathering details and pledged full cooperation with US authorities.