Seoul Investigates Human Rights Violations Following US Raid on Korean Workers at Georgia Facility
Seoul is looking into claims of rights violations following a US raid that has led to the detention of hundreds of Korean workers, which is escalating tensions and postponing operations at the Hyundai plant.
The South Korean government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into potential human rights violations following the detention of hundreds of Korean workers by US authorities during a raid at a Hyundai electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia.
Seoul conveyed its “strong regret” and officially requested that the rights and interests of its citizens be upheld during law enforcement activities. Last Friday, over 300 workers returned to South Korea after a week in US custody, while numerous others continue to be under investigation.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung criticized the raid as “bewildering” and cautioned that it might deter foreign investment, highlighting that Korean companies are poised to invest billions of dollars in the US under trade agreements aimed at circumventing high tariffs. “Korean companies often send workers to assist in the establishment of overseas factories.” “It is unacceptable to criminalise this process,” Lee stated.
The event signifies the most extensive immigration raid at a single site since President Donald Trump escalated his efforts against illegal migrants earlier this year. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that the individuals detained had either overstayed their visas or did not possess work authorization. Witnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as federal agents arrived at the plant, with reports of some workers being led away in chains.
Hyundai has confirmed that the opening of the plant will be postponed by a minimum of two months due to the disruption. In the meantime, South Korea’s trade unions have called for an official apology from Trump, alleging that Washington has humiliated Korean nationals and put bilateral relations at risk.
On Sunday, Trump emphasized that South Korean workers and other foreign specialists are “welcome” in the US, highlighting the importance of learning from their expertise in areas such as shipbuilding, chipmaking, and computing. “We embrace them, we embrace their team members, and we will gain insights from them to excel even further in their arena,” he expressed on Truth Social.
South Korean authorities have announced their commitment to collaborating with impacted companies and global partners to ensure accountability, promising a comprehensive investigation into possible violations and measures to prevent future occurrences.
