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3d ago

Korean Workers Detained in Georgia Set to Fly Home After U.S. Assurances

Both governments will form a working group to explore visa fixes highlighted by the raid.

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Activists holding signs that reads "No one is illegal!", chant slogans during a press conference to protest against a huge immigration raid last week at the site of a U.S. car battery project involving Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in the U.S. state of Georgia, in front of the U.S. embassy in Seoul, South Korea, September 9, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
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Overview

  • South Korean officials said 316 Koreans and 14 other foreign nationals were released from ICE custody in Folkston, Georgia, and will take a chartered Korean Air flight as voluntary departures.
  • Seoul says Washington assured that no handcuffs or other restraints will be used during transport to Atlanta’s airport and that those departing will face no penalties on future U.S. entry.
  • President Trump, according to South Korea’s foreign ministry, ordered unrestrained transport and briefly asked officials to consider whether some detainees could stay to help train U.S. workers; one Korean opted to remain.
  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to launch a working group to address visa gaps, including discussing a new category for short‑term skilled specialists.
  • ICE maintains many detainees were working in violation of visa terms such as B‑1 or visa‑waiver entries, while President Lee Jae Myung warned the episode could make Korean firms hesitant about U.S. investment.