SEOUL — South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Saturday he may visit the United States to discuss the detention of more than 300 South Korean nationals during a recent U.S. immigration enforcement operation in Georgia.
Cho made the remarks during an emergency meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul following a federal raid conducted at HL-GA Battery Co., a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Energy Solution Ltd., located near Savannah, Georgia.
“We are deeply concerned and feel a heavy sense of responsibility over the arrests of our nationals,” Cho said during the meeting, according to Yonhap News Agency.
He said the government would consider sending a senior foreign ministry official to the site “without delay,” and added that he may personally travel to Washington to consult with the U.S. administration.
According to Cho, President Lee Jae Myung has directed officials to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. The South Korean government also held discussions with U.S. diplomats, including acting U.S. Ambassador Joseph Yun and U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker.
A total of 475 individuals were detained in the September 4 raid, which U.S. officials described as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). According to ICE, many of those detained had overstayed visas or were working illegally while present under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which prohibits employment.
A video released by ICE showed federal agents screening workers at the site, placing individuals in handcuffs and metal chains, and transporting them in custody.
Of those detained, 47 were confirmed as LG Energy Solution employees, while the remaining individuals were associated with HL-GA Battery, according to the company. LG stated that it has paused business travel to the U.S. and instructed employees currently in the country to remain in their accommodations or return to South Korea.
Today, @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety. #ATF pic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6
— ATF Atlanta (@ATFAtlanta) September 4, 2025
The company also said its chief human resources officer would travel to the U.S. to address the situation.
ICE Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank said the operation was part of a broader criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices and other federal violations.
“This operation sends a clear message that those who exploit the system and undermine our workforce will be held accountable,” Schrank said in a press release issued on September 5.
President Donald Trump, when asked about the arrests, said immigration officials were “just doing their job” and referred to the individuals detained as “illegal aliens.”
According to U.S. officials, most of the individuals are being held at a detention facility in Folkston, Georgia. Construction work at the site has been temporarily paused.
HL-GA Battery is currently building a major electric vehicle battery plant with plans to begin operations next year.
