Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted a large-scale operation Thursday at a Hyundai battery manufacturing facility under construction in Ellabell, Georgia, leading to multiple arrests and prompting a diplomatic response from South Korea.
The Operation Federal agents from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies executed search warrants at the multi-hundred-acre construction site where Hyundai and LG Energy Solution are building a joint battery plant adjacent to their electric vehicle manufacturing facility. Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, said the operation targeted “unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes”.
Video footage verified by NBC News showed agents instructing workers to halt construction immediately while conducting systematic citizenship checks. Witnesses reported agents asking everyone on the premises whether they were U.S. citizens, with some videos showing workers being lined up for questioning and bag searches.
Scale and Impact NBC affiliate WSAV reported hundreds of undercover law enforcement vehicles and Humvees at the scene, along with large buses entering the site. While exact numbers remain unclear, Schrank confirmed authorities were “making many arrests of undocumented individuals.” The facility, located about 28 miles west of Savannah, employs approximately 1,400 people and ranks among Georgia’s most significant manufacturing sites.
Diplomatic Response South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed “concern and regret” through the U.S. Embassy regarding the detention of South Korean nationals during the raid. “The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” said ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong.
Corporate Statements Both companies confirmed cooperation with law enforcement. Hyundai spokesperson Michael Stewart stated the company was “cooperating with law enforcement and are committed to abiding by all labor and immigration regulations”. HL-GA Battery Co. announced construction suspension to assist the investigation.
Economic Context The raid occurs amid significant South Korean investment in U.S. manufacturing. Hyundai recently increased its U.S. investment commitment from $21 billion to $26 billion for 2025-2028, expecting to create 25,000 direct jobs. This follows South Korea’s broader $350 billion U.S. investment pledge aimed at reducing trade tensions with the Trump administration.
The investigation is expected to continue beyond the initial operation, though federal officials have not provided a specific timeline for completion.
