The Trump administration conducted a major immigration operation at a Hyundai factory in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of approximately 475 workers, most of whom were Korean nationals. The raid, located around 20 miles outside of Savannah, was part of a long-term investigation and is one of several notable worksite operations under the administration’s immigration crackdown. Hyundai officials stated that they do not believe any of their direct employees were arrested and pledged to comply with all laws and regulations. LG Energy Solution, which also has a stake in the plant, similarly committed to working with authorities.
The incident has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum, with some questioning the impact on the factory’s EV manufacturing segment, which is not believed to have affected. The battery factory under construction, however, was the focus of the multi-agency effort. Some took aim at the fact that the factory was touted by former President Joe Biden as a major victory for American manufacturing, with both Democratic and Republican politicians having hailed the project as a win for American jobs. The EV manufacturing part of the facility is not believed to have been impacted, but the battery factory under construction was the focus of the multi-agency effort.
Scientists, business leaders, and other critics have expressed various opinions on the raid. Matt Van Swol, a scientist, argued that the administration’s actions were contradictory, stating, ‘Even when Democrats pretend to be America-First, they are secretly America Last. Every. Single. Time. That is truly unbelievable.’ Maik Peters, CEO of Pitco Engineering, commented, ‘We as an American company with legal workers are always cut out of those mega projects, because we are too expensive. Finally this problem gets addressed.’
Other users criticized the Trump administration, with the South Korean government also expressing concerns about the operation. James Surowiecki, a writer, commented, ‘Completely incredible. Lutnick and Trump brag about getting South Korea to invest billions in the U.S., then turn around and arrest South Koreans who were here temporarily in the U.S. to help Hyundai set up a factory in Georgia. The stupidity burns.’ Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Ga., wrote that the raid was an ‘act of cruelty and injustice’ by the Trump administration, adding that ‘U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have also been wrongfully detained,’ and emphasized the importance of due process and constitutional rights for all workers affected.
Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., supported the raid, stating that Democrats had enabled illegal immigration for too long. He wrote, ‘That’s no longer the case under President Trump and Operation Take Back America. I applaud the Trump Administration and our brave law enforcement officers for taking bold action to put American workers first and protect our communities from the scourge of illegal immigration.’ He further asserted, ‘For anyone who thinks they can take jobs from hardworking Americans and give them to illegal immigrants, take note: not under Donald Trump’s watch.’
Meanwhile, the social media response to the raid was intense, with a range of reactions from both political parties. Some users criticized the raid, while others praised it as a necessary step to protect American workers. The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions over immigration policy and its impact on both American workers and international business partnerships. The legal and ethical implications of the raid continue to be debated, with various stakeholders calling for transparency and due process in the administration’s immigration enforcement actions.