Immigration Raid Halts Work at Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia

South Carolina-based ICE agents detained nearly 475 workers at a Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery facility under construction in Ellabell, Georgia, on Saturday, accusing them of working unlawfully in the United States.

Officials say the operation, dubbed “Operation Low Voltage,” followed a months-long investigation into alleged illegal employment practices at the 2,900-acre site, one of Hyundai’s largest investments in the U.S.

Key Details

  • Who: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations and multiple federal and state agencies
  • Where: Hyundai-LG battery plant, Ellabell, Georgia, 25 miles from Savannah
  • When: Thursday, September 6, 2025
  • What: 475 individuals-about 300 of them South Korean nationals-detained for illegal work status
  • Why: Authorities allege workers entered illegally or overstayed visas and were employed through subcontractor networks in violation of federal law

Nut Graf

The raid marks the largest single-site enforcement action in DHS history, halting construction at a facility slated to produce lithium-ion cells for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis EV models. The sweep underscores the Trump administration’s push to strengthen immigration enforcement even as it courts foreign investment.

Operation Highlights

Federal agents secured a judicial search warrant after collecting evidence over several months. More than 400 officers formed a security perimeter, paused all work and systematically screened each person’s documentation. Cleared workers received “clear to depart” notices; those without valid authorization were transported to ICE’s Folkston Processing Center.

Several detainees attempted to flee-some hiding in air ducts or seeking refuge in on-site ponds-before being captured by officers using boats and specialized teams.

Corporate and Diplomatic Response

Hyundai Motor Company affirmed none of the arrested were direct employees and pledged to audit its contractors and subcontractors to ensure legal compliance. LG Energy Solution, the joint-venture partner, said it is cooperating with authorities and suspended construction activity pending resolution.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expressed “regret and concern,” warning that economic interests and citizens’ rights must not be infringed by enforcement actions. Seoul dispatched diplomats to Georgia and is monitoring the situation closely.

Broader Implications

The raid exposes tensions between conflicting policy goals: attracting large-scale foreign investment while intensifying workplace immigration crackdowns. Industry observers warn that such actions could deter overseas firms from U.S. expansion, even as the administration promotes domestic manufacturing growth.