ICE Raids Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia, Detains 475 Workers

ICE agents detained 475 workers at Hyundai’s battery facility under construction in Ellabell, Georgia, on Thursday, halting work on the $4.3 billion project.

Nut Graf: The enforcement operation, the largest single-site action in Department of Homeland Security history, highlights intensified immigration crackdowns that are disrupting major foreign investments in the U.S.

Raid Halts Construction

Construction at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint‐venture battery plant paused immediately after ICE and multiple federal agencies executed “Operation Low Voltage,” arresting primarily South Korean nationals suspected of working illegally.

Scope and Scale

• Approximately 475 individuals were taken into custody for visa violations or unlawful entry.
• The complex spans 2,900 acres and includes EV assembly alongside battery cell production.

Corporate and Government Responses

Hyundai Motor Company stated none of the detained were direct employees and pledged to audit suppliers and subcontractors for legal compliance. Chris Susock, Hyundai’s North America manufacturing chief, will assume oversight of the entire megaplant.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office affirmed commitment to enforcing all laws, while state Democrats condemned the raid as “politically motivated fear tactics.”

Diplomatic and Economic Impact

The arrests threaten tensions between Washington and Seoul amid a broader trade and investment dialogue. South Korea has pledged $150 billion in U.S. investments, including $26 billion from Hyundai, under a $350 billion framework agreement.

Next Steps

ICE is transporting detainees to Folkston Detention Center pending removal proceedings. Hyundai and LG Energy Solution are cooperating with authorities and assessing project timelines, with operations initially slated to begin by year’s end.