The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a large-scale raid at a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of more than 450 individuals allegedly involved in unlawful employment practices. The operation, carried out under a search warrant issued by the Department of Homeland Security, targeted a 3,000-acre site operated by the HL-GA Battery Company, which specializes in electric vehicle production.
Authorities cited allegations of “unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes” as the basis for the raid. South Korean nationals were among those detained, prompting the South Korean foreign ministry to label the action an “unjust infringement” on their rights. Hyundai Motor Company stated it was unaware of direct involvement with the individuals arrested, emphasizing its commitment to worker safety at the site.
The Atlanta office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed participation in the operation, describing the detained individuals as “unlawful aliens.” While the exact number of South Koreans arrested remains unclear, reports suggest hundreds were affected.
Separate ICE operations also unfolded in New York, where over 40 adults were apprehended during a raid at a food manufacturing plant in Cato. Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the action, calling it “cruel” and highlighting the disruption to families, including children left without parents after school. The raids involved multiple federal agencies, with local law enforcement providing logistical support.
The incidents underscore ongoing federal efforts to address immigration enforcement across industrial sectors.