United States immigration authorities have arrested 475 people in a raid on a Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia, Steve Schrank, a special agent in charge of Homeland Securities Investigations Atlanta, said at a press conference on Friday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Hyundai facility, located in Ellabell, Georgia — approximately 30 miles west of Savannah — was raided \u201cas part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes,\u201d according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The raid was authorized by a judge-issued search warrant following a monthslong investigation of the facility, Schrank said. The investigation of the worksite remains active, he added, but no charges of wrongdoing have been filed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The arrested individuals worked for several contractors as well as the parent company, Hyundai, Schrank said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This in fact was the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations,” Schrank added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hyundai released a statement regarding the raid, saying it was aware of the incident and \u201cclosely monitoring the situation and working to understand the specific circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a press briefing, the South Korea’s foreign ministry said it has conveyed its “concerns and regret” to the United States over the raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant, “urging special attention to ensure that the legitimate rights and interests of our citizens are not violated.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is seen on March 26, 2025, in Ellabell, Ga.
Mike Stewart\/AP
“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 spokesperson for the foreign ministry said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consular officials were sent to the plant and local diplomatic missions were told to set up a task force to address issues related to the raid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for those who violate the law and upholding the rule of law,\u201d a DHS spokesperson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n