Major Raid Pauses Hyundai's Georgia EV Battery Plant 🚧
Up to 450 workers at the Hyundai Motor facility under construction in Georgia were detained last Thursday in a joint raid by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other agencies. The operation, backed by a court order, targeted alleged unlawful employment practices and triggered an immediate halt to construction.
Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia, confirmed arrests are being made as part of an ongoing probe. Korean news outlets reported about 30 of those detained are South Korean nationals, highlighting the global workforce behind this mega-investment.
The paused project is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution (LGES), planning to churn out EV batteries by year-end. It’s one of Georgia’s largest overseas investments, aiming to power the next wave of electric vehicles across the U.S.
In a statement, the Hyundai-GA battery company said they’re "fully cooperating with authorities" and have voluntarily paused work on-site to help with the investigation. The move underscores how immigration enforcement can ripple through big business and tech projects.
Since taking office, the Trump administration has ramped up ICE operations, making immigration enforcement a top priority. This latest raid puts the spotlight on how aggressive policies may affect international businesses and their local supply chains.
For those keeping an eye on EV tech, this delay could impact production timelines—but it also raises wider questions about labor rights, legal pathways for migrant workers, and responsible supply chain management. ⚡
PSA for job seekers in South Asia and Southeast Asia: when you’re eyeing opportunities abroad, make sure your employment arrangements are fully legal and documented. It can save you from getting caught in complex investigations thousands of miles away. 🌏👍
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Work paused at Hyundai's U.S. site after workers detained in raid
cgtn.com
