September 6, 2025

Imagine a bustling Hyundai electric vehicle factory in Ellabell, Georgia. Suddenly, on September 4, 2025, US immigration agents swoop in for a historic raid! Over 475 workers, mostly South Koreans, found themselves arrested in what became the largest single-site enforcement action ever by the US Department of Homeland Security. This dramatic event has sent shockwaves far beyond Georgia, all the way to Seoul. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung didn’t waste a moment. On September 6, he ordered full efforts to deal with this crisis. The government quickly set up a special response team. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed deep worry at an emergency meeting, saying, "I am deeply concerned. I feel heavy responsibility for the arrests of our citizens." He even told reporters he might fly to Washington to meet US officials if needed. This raid happened at a Hyundai Motor car battery factory, built with major South Korean investment. LG Energy Solution, a key partner in the factory, revealed they had asked staff to cut short their US business trips and pause travel except for urgent meetings. They confirmed 47 of their own employees and about 250 contract workers were among those arrested. Why is this such a big deal? The raid comes amid rising tensions between President Donald Trump's administration and South Korea, which is a vital US ally and investor. These tensions also touch a $350 billion trade and investment deal that South Korea announced recently to boost American jobs and technology. This incident threatens to sour that partnership. For now, the spotlight shines brightly on Georgia’s sleepy factory town. But the real drama is playing out in boardrooms and government offices on two continents. How will the US and South Korea navigate this rocky patch? The world watches, as politics, business, and human lives hang in the balance.

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Tags: Hyundai motor, Us immigration raid, South korean workers arrested, Georgia factory, Lg energy solution, Us-south korea relations,