Overview

• ICE detained about 475 workers, including roughly 300 South Koreans, during the Sept. 4 operation at the Ellabell site, with accounts describing shackling and cold, overcrowded custody.
• More than 300 South Koreans returned home within a week, and Hyundai says commissioning of the battery plant is delayed at least two to three months.
• Washington and Seoul agreed to discuss a new visa category for Korean specialists, and LG Energy Solution’s North America chief voiced cautious optimism that such talks will avert future disruptions.
• A Congressional Research Service brief warned the raid could strain the alliance and noted proposals like the Partner with Korea Act to create 15,000 E‑4 visas for skilled Korean nationals.
• South Korea launched a human‑rights probe and rookie Democratic Party lawmakers demanded a U.S. apology, as U.S. diplomats expressed regret over the detentions.