ICE Raid Delays Hyundai-LG Battery Plant Opening Georgia

Hyundai's Georgia battery plant, operated jointly with LG Energy Solutions, faces a delay of two to three months following the largest single-site U.S. immigration raid in history, which detained approximately 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans. Hyundai CEO José Muñoz explained that the raid caused a shortage of specialized workers essential for the plant's startup, as many of those detained were temporarily sent from South Korea to assist with initial operations and training. The detained South Korean workers are set to be repatriated after a diplomatic agreement, despite President Donald Trump's proposal to retain them for training American workers, which was largely declined. This enforcement action has sparked tension between the U.S. and South Korea, with South Korean officials warning that the crackdown could deter future investments in the U.S. and has raised concerns about the viability of recent trade deals promising significant investments, including Hyundai's $26 billion pledge in the U.S. The plant is part of a larger economic development initiative in Georgia expected to create thousands of jobs, but the unexpected labor disruption has prompted Hyundai to explore alternative staffing solutions while LG Energy Solutions remains committed to continuing investments despite the challenges.