South Korea Repatriates 330 Workers After Large US Immigration Raid, Sparks Outrage

Over 300 South Korean workers detained during a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia were repatriated to South Korea after a week-long ordeal, sparking widespread outrage in Seoul. South Korean officials, including Labour Minister Kim Younghoon and President Lee Jae Myung, condemned the harsh treatment of the workers, comparing it to that of prisoners of war and expressing concerns about the impact on the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The workers, who were building a $4.3 billion battery plant crucial for Hyundai's electric vehicle ambitions, had been detained for using business visas deemed improper for actual employment activities. Diplomatic negotiations led to their release, with South Korea and the U.S. agreeing to form a joint working group to address visa issues and consider a dedicated visa desk at the U.S. embassy in Seoul to assist Korean businesses. The incident has fueled debate in South Korea about the "new normal" in relations with the U.S., highlighting challenges beyond tariffs to include security and immigration matters. The raid, the largest single-site operation since President Trump resumed office, has raised questions about visa policies and the treatment of foreign workers contributing to the U.S. economy.