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U.S. Detains 475 in Record HSI Raid at Hyundai–LG Battery Site in Georgia

The months-long hiring probe prompted the raid, drawing a diplomatic response from Seoul.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta office are seen detained migrants suspected to have no legal status as part of an operation that saw 450 individuals were taken into custody
An American flag flies above a piece of heavy machinery at the site of Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicle plant in Ellabell, Georgia, on September 5, 2025.
The Hyundai Metaplant electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Ellabell, Georgia, US, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The historic city of Savannah, known for gardens and gothic mystery, is leaving no stone unturned as it helps South Korean auto giant Hyundai staff up a futuristic new factory. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Overview

  • Homeland Security Investigations said the majority of those detained were South Korean nationals, with South Korea later saying more than 300 of the 475 are believed to be its citizens.
  • Agents executed a judge-approved search warrant targeting alleged unlawful employment practices at the battery plant construction site, which relies on networks of subcontractors.
  • Those taken into custody were turned over to ICE for potential removal after officials said some had entered illegally, overstayed visas or violated visa terms, and no criminal charges were announced.
  • HL-GA Battery Company paused construction to cooperate with authorities, while Hyundai said operations at the adjacent EV plant continued without interruption.
  • Multiple agencies participated in what HSI called its largest single-site enforcement operation, including ICE, HSI, ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS and Georgia State Patrol.