US President Donald Trump has warned foreign companies to comply with American immigration laws after a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia resulted in the arrest of 475 individuals, including South Korean workers. The operation, carried out by US immigration officials on Thursday, is the largest single-site enforcement action undertaken during Trump’s presidency.
The arrests were made at a 100-acre construction site, where a massive battery plant is being built. According to Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, the raid targeted “unlawful employment practices” at the site. LG Energy Solution confirmed that 47 of its employees, including 46 South Koreans and one Indonesian, were arrested. Additionally, around 250 of those detained were believed to be employed by the company’s contractor, mostly South Koreans.
President Trump took to social media to urge foreign companies to respect US immigration laws, stating that investments are welcome, but companies must hire and train American workers. The president’s comments come as the US continues to navigate complex relationships with international partners, including South Korea, a key security ally and significant investor in the US economy.
South Korea has been a key player in the US economy, with multiple plants and investments in the country. Recently, Korean Air announced a major deal to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft, and Seoul pledged $350 billion in US investments. The country also secured a 15% tariff agreement for exports to the US, significantly lower than the 25% initially threatened by the Trump administration.
The migrant crackdown is part of Trump’s broader effort to revitalize the US manufacturing sector and address undocumented migration. While the president has vowed to deport millions of undocumented migrants, he also acknowledged the need to address skill deficiencies in the domestic workforce. The US and South Korea are working to secure the release of the detained workers, with negotiations reportedly concluded, and the workers expected to be freed and flown home soon.
The Georgia raid highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the US in balancing economic growth with immigration enforcement. As the country continues to grapple with these complex issues, international companies operating in the US must ensure they comply with American laws and regulations to avoid similar enforcement actions. The incident also underscores the importance of cooperation between the US and its international partners in addressing the root causes of migration and promoting economic development.
