Overview

• ICE, DHS and the FBI carried out the September 5 operation at the Ellabell facility, with reported detentions ranging from 450 to 475 and more than 300 identified as South Korean nationals.
• Homeland Security said those held had entered illegally, overstayed visas, or lacked work authorization, while some lawyers for detainees dispute that characterization.
• Most detainees were transferred to the Folkston, Georgia detention center, and no criminal charges had been reported at the time of publication.
• Those detained include employees of the HL‑GA Battery Co. joint venture and contractor staff at a site that is partially operating ahead of a planned opening next year.
• Seoul voiced “concern and regret,” activated a task force and deployed embassy and consular officials; LG pledged cooperation and prioritized worker safety, and Hyundai offered no comment.