Hyundai LG Plant Immigration Raid Georgia: What You Need to Know
Hyundai Plant Immigration Raid: Key Facts & context – September 2025
- victoriasterling
This report summarizes the recent immigration raid at a hyundai Motor Group electric vehicle plant in Ellabell, Georgia, and its surrounding context.
Key Events:
Date of Raid: Thursday, September 4, 2025
Location: Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicle plant, Ellabell, Georgia. The plant also houses LG Energy Solution, with whom Hyundai is building a battery manufacturing facility.
Number of Arrests: 475 people were arrested.
Nationalities Affected: Over 300 of those arrested were South Korean nationals. The remaining arrests involved individuals of other nationalities.
Allegations: The arrests were part of an investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices. U.S. authorities state the arrested workers were working or living in the country illegally.
Government Response (South Korea): The South Korean government is working to return its detained nationals via a chartered flight.
Government Response (U.S.): The raid was the largest single-site enforcement operation in the Department of Homeland Security’s history, according to Steven Schrank. The Trump administration intends to continue workplace immigration enforcement.
Statements from Involved parties:
Hyundai: Referred CNBC to a previous statement affirming its commitment to full compliance with all laws and regulations. Donald Trump (via Tom Homan, White House border czar): The administration will continue focusing on workplaces for immigration raids, targeting companies that hire undocumented workers to prevent undercutting of U.S. citizen wages.
Context & Background:
This raid is part of President Trump’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
The plant is a important investment in the U.S. electric vehicle industry, representing a joint venture between Hyundai and LG Energy Solution.
Data Summary:
The following table summarizes the key numerical data from the event:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Arrests | 475 |
| South Korean Nationals Arrested | >300 |
| Largest Single-Site Enforcement Operation (DHS) | Yes |
Related Links:
CNBC – South Korea Nationals Detained in hyundai Immigration Raid
NBC news - South Korea to deal with workers detained in Hyundai raid
Hyundai News – Hyundai Statement
CNN – State of the Union Interview with Tom Homan
CNBC – US to target more businesses after Hyundai raid
* AP News – Hyundai Georgia EVs