United States immigration authorities have arrested 475 folks in a raid on a Hyundai manufacturing web site in Georgia, Steve Schrank, a particular agent accountable for Homeland Securities Investigations Atlanta, stated at a press convention on Friday.
The Hyundai facility, positioned in Ellabell, Georgia — roughly 30 miles west of Savannah — was raided “as a part of an ongoing felony investigation into allegations of illegal employment practices and different severe federal crimes,” in accordance with a press release from the Division of Homeland Safety.
The raid was approved by a judge-issued search warrant following a monthslong investigation of the ability, Schrank stated. The investigation of the worksite stays lively, he added, however no prices of wrongdoing have been filed.
The arrested people labored for a number of contractors in addition to the mum or dad firm, Hyundai, Schrank stated.
“This in reality was the biggest single-site enforcement operation within the historical past of Homeland Safety Investigations,” Schrank added.
Hyundai launched a press release concerning the raid, saying it was conscious of the incident and “intently monitoring the state of affairs and dealing to grasp the particular circumstances.”
“As of as we speak, it’s our understanding that none of these detained is instantly employed by Hyundai Motor Firm,” the corporate stated.
In a press briefing, the South Korea’s international ministry stated it has conveyed its “considerations and remorse” to the USA over the raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant, “urging particular consideration to make sure that the legit rights and pursuits of our residents are usually not violated.”
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is seen on March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Ga.
Mike Stewart/AP
“The financial actions of our firms investing within the U.S. and the rights and pursuits of our nationals should not be unfairly violated,” a spokesperson for the international ministry stated.
Consular officers had been despatched to the plant and native diplomatic missions had been advised to arrange a job power to deal with points associated to the raid.
“This investigation is targeted on guaranteeing accountability for many who violate the regulation and upholding the rule of regulation,” a DHS spokesperson stated.
Federal officers are planning a press briefing to launch extra data “concerning a latest felony search warrant and enforcement actions to fight unlawful employment practices within the state of Georgia,” in accordance with DHS officers.
