The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has released a video showing a raid and detention of over 300 Korean employees at the construction site of a joint battery plant by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia. Following this incident, reports have emerged that the Korean workers, who were detained and later released, are preparing to sue ICE.
On the 10th (local time), ABC News reported on this issue with an article titled “Korean Workers Who Came to Build an Electric Vehicle Battery Plant Were Shackled. They Want to Know Why.” The article highlights the story of a Korean worker, Mr. Kim, who was one of the 450 individuals detained during the raid in September, which included over 300 Koreans. Approximately 200 of these workers, including Mr. Kim, are preparing to file a lawsuit against ICE.
Mr. Kim and other workers told ABC that they plan to challenge ICE’s “illegal use of police authority, racial profiling (investigative methods based on skin color and race), human rights violations, excessive use of physical force, and unlawful arrests.”
In an interview with ABC, Mr. Kim stated, “I want to correct the false facts. We still have not received a suitable explanation or apology.” He added, “I no longer want to travel to the U.S., even for leisure. But if it’s necessary for work, I can’t help it.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson sent a statement to ABC expressing, “All foreign workers must enter the U.S. with legal work permits,” emphasizing that while President Trump aims to make the U.S. the best place to do business, federal immigration laws will be enforced.
Hyundai also provided a statement to ABC, announcing, “The plant is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, and we will comply with all laws and regulations.”
Earlier in September, ICE conducted a surprise raid on the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint plant in Savannah, Georgia, leading to the large-scale arrest and detention of Korean workers.