Work Paused at Hyundai Georgia Site after 450 Workers Detained in Major Raid

U.S. authorities conducted a major immigration enforcement raid at Hyundai's $4.3 billion electric vehicle battery plant construction site in Georgia, detaining up to 450 workers and causing a pause in the project's development. The joint venture between Hyundai Motor and South Korea's LG Energy Solution, which was set to begin operations later this year, is one of Georgia's largest investments, and the raid represents a significant setback. Multiple federal agencies, including ICE, ATF, FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations, jointly executed the judicially authorized operation investigating unlawful employment practices. Hyundai confirmed that the raid did not affect its ongoing electric vehicle production at the nearby facility and stated it is cooperating fully with authorities. The South Korean government expressed concern about the detention of its nationals, with around 30 South Korean workers reportedly detained, and is working with U.S. officials to support those affected. The operation underscores the Trump administration's intensified crackdown on immigration and its impact on U.S. businesses.