South Korea to send foreign minister to U.S. after Hyundai worker detentions

South Korea Foreign Minister Cho Hyun heads to the U.S. on Monday to discuss visa reforms after 300 Korean workers were detained in a massive immigration raid at Hyundai-LG Energy Solution’s (LGES) $4.3 billion battery plant in Georgia. Authorities plan to fly the workers home later this week.

The detention, part of the largest single-site operation in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) history, targeted 475 workers, mostly employed by subcontractors.

Video footage showed armoured vehicles and some workers shackled, sparking concern in Seoul.

The raid occurred just 10 days after South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung met U.S. President Donald Trump, during which both pledged closer business ties.

It also came amid South Korea’s commitment to a $350 billion investment in the U.S. market, including Hyundai’s Georgia project, a joint venture with LGES producing batteries for electric vehicles.

Cho will focus on arranging a “voluntary departure” for the detained workers via a chartered flight and on broader improvements to the U.S. visa system for Korean workers, a ministry official said. Processing for their release is ongoing, with officials aiming for departure by midweek.

U.S. President Trump, who has expanded nationwide deportations, said he was not aware of the raid beforehand and labelled those detained “illegal aliens.”

On Sunday, he struck a more conciliatory tone, encouraging foreign companies to bring skilled workers legally.

“Your investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The operation followed a judicial search warrant investigating alleged unlawful employment practices, including workers who had crossed the border illegally or overstayed visas. DHS has not commented further, while White House border official Tom Homan vowed more workplace enforcement.

The detentions have raised tensions as Hyundai and LGES expand U.S. operations. Hyundai has asked some staff to suspend non-essential trips, and LGES is recalling employees currently in the U.S., except for essential personnel. Chris Susock, Hyundai’s North America chief manufacturing officer, will oversee the Georgia site.

Relations between Washington and Seoul remain sensitive, with the raid occurring during negotiations over the broader U.S.-South Korea trade and investment deal.

Cho’s upcoming talks with U.S. Secretary State Marco Rubio on 8 September aim to prevent a similar incident in the future and maintain confidence in South Korea’s investments in the United States.

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