In a dramatic show of force, federal and state law enforcement agencies conducted a large-scale raid at Hyundai’s Metaplant complex in Ellabell, Georgia, detaining 475 individuals in what officials are calling the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) history.
What Happened During the Raid
The raid took place at the HL-GA Battery Company, a massive electric vehicle (EV) battery plant currently under construction next to Hyundai’s $7.6 billion Metaplant facility. The battery site is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and LG Energy Solution of South Korea. It was originally scheduled to begin production by late 2025 or early 2026, supplying batteries for Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and upcoming Ioniq 9 SUV models.
According to DHS spokesperson Steven Schrank, the 475 individuals were arrested for alleged violations, including unlawful entry into the United States, overstaying visas, and working without legal authorization. Schrank emphasized that while charges have not yet been filed, the investigation is ongoing.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguarding the integrity of our economy, and protecting workers from exploitation,” Schrank said at a press briefing.
Who Was Arrested?
While officials did not release an exact breakdown of nationalities, Schrank confirmed that the majority of those arrested were Korean nationals. The DHS spokesperson also noted that some of those detained were U.S. citizens or lawful residents, who are now being released.
The arrests have raised diplomatic concerns in South Korea. The country’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret and urged U.S. officials to respect the rights of Korean nationals and companies operating in the U.S. “The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” a ministry spokesperson said, adding that Seoul had conveyed its concerns through the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
Hyundai and LG Respond
The fallout has been swift. A spokesperson for LG Energy Solution told the New York Times that both LG and Hyundai employees were among those arrested. However, Hyundai disputed that claim, telling Fox News:
“As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company. We prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone working at the site and comply with all laws and regulations wherever we operate.”
Schrank clarified that many of those detained were believed to be working for subcontractors, not the main Hyundai or LG entities.
HL-GA Battery Company, the joint venture, released a statement to the Associated Press saying the company is fully cooperating with investigators and has temporarily paused construction to allow federal authorities to carry out their work. Hyundai also confirmed that operations at the Metaplant itself were not affected by the raid.
A Multi-Agency Effort
The raid was not a routine inspection. DHS officials described it as the culmination of a multi-month criminal investigation that involved collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and presenting findings to a federal court to obtain a search warrant.
The agencies involved included:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Investigations Division
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- Georgia State Police
ICE officials told the BBC that the investigation had uncovered allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes at the construction site. More photos
Why This Raid Matters
The timing of the raid is politically and diplomatically sensitive. Just last week, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. During that visit, Lee pledged an additional $150 billion investment in the United States, in addition to the $350 billion already committed under trade negotiations earlier this summer. That agreement had also resulted in the imposition of a 15% tariff on Korean-made goods imported into the U.S.
The raid also puts attention back on President Trump’s ongoing immigration crackdown, a cornerstone of his policy agenda. This event highlights the tension between welcoming foreign investment and enforcing immigration laws. A balance that is becoming increasingly difficult as multinational corporations expand their U.S. operations.
The Economic Stakes in Georgia
The Hyundai Metaplant project, situated on a sprawling 2,900-acre site, is regarded as the largest single economic development project in Georgia’s history. Valued at $7.6 billion, the complex has been championed by Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp as a job-creating powerhouse.
- The Metaplant currently employs 1,200 workers.
- Suppliers and contractors are expected to increase that figure to as many as 8,500 jobs once operations reach full scale.
- Hyundai’s wider U.S. investment strategy includes a $26 billion commitment, covering expanded auto manufacturing, a robotics facility, and a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana. These projects are expected to create 25,000 jobs nationwide.
Given these numbers, any disruption could ripple across both local and national economies.
Diplomatic Fallout Still Developing
The South Korean government has already dispatched diplomatic and consular staff to Georgia to monitor the situation and assist those detained. Officials in Seoul are said to be in active communication with the U.S. government, stressing that the crackdown should not unfairly harm Korean businesses or workers.
For now, Hyundai’s Metaplant remains operational, but with construction paused at the battery joint venture, questions remain about whether this raid could delay Hyundai’s EV expansion timeline in the U.S.
Conclusion
This unprecedented raid at Hyundai’s Metaplant site is more than just an immigration enforcement story. It touches on global trade, diplomacy, immigration policy, and the future of the EV industry in America. With 475 arrests, South Korea voicing concerns, and billions of dollars in investments at stake, this case is likely to remain in the headlines for weeks to come
FAQs
Why did the federal government raid the Hyundai plant in Georgia?
The raid happened because investigators believed many workers at the construction site were in the U.S. without legal permission. Authorities said some people entered unlawfully, some overstayed visas, and others were working without proper documents.
How many people were arrested in the Georgia plant raid?
Officials said 475 people were arrested. Most of them were from South Korea, but a few U.S. citizens and legal residents were also detained and later released.
Were Hyundai employees arrested in the raid?
According to statements, the people arrested mostly worked for subcontractors, not Hyundai itself. Hyundai said it believes none of its direct employees were among those detained.
What will happen to the people who were arrested?
Right now, no charges have been filed. The Department of Homeland Security is still investigating. Some of the people may face deportation, while others might be released depending on their legal status.
Will this raid affect the opening of the battery plant in Georgia?
The joint venture building the battery plant has paused construction to cooperate with the authorities. Hyundai said its main Metaplant is still operating, but delays at the battery plant are possible.
Why is South Korea worried about the raid?
South Korea’s government is concerned because many of its citizens were among those detained. They want to make sure the rights of Korean workers are respected while their companies invest billions of dollars in the U.S.
What does this mean for jobs in Georgia?
The Metaplant project is one of the largest in Georgia’s history, with plans to create thousands of jobs. Officials say the raid was meant to protect legal workers and ensure fair hiring, but it could slow down construction in the short term.
Was this the largest immigration raid in U.S. history?
Yes. Federal officials confirmed this was the single largest immigration enforcement action in the history of the Department of Homeland Security.
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