Immigration czar Tom Homan has defended the Georgia Hyundai factory raid, which led to the arrest of nearly 500 workers, and has pledged to continue similar workplace immigration enforcement operations nationwide. Homan, part of the Trump administration, underscored that harboring illegal immigrants is a criminal act. He argued that companies that hire undocumented workers are undercutting competition by exploiting lower wages and harder labor, often at the expense of U.S. citizens.
The raid, which targeted an electric battery plant in Georgia, reportedly seized hundreds of South Korean nationals living and working in the United States illegally. Homan emphasized that the Trump administration considers immigration enforcement a national priority and has already deported over 300,000 individuals, with deportations rising to over 1,500 per day—a rate not seen since the Obama administration. Homan’s comments highlight a broader policy stance against illegal immigration, asserting that such measures have contributed to the U.S. having the ‘most secure’ border in history.
The South Korean government has agreed to a deal with the U.S. to secure the release of hundreds of detained migrant workers, with a charter plane expected to transport them back to South Korea shortly. Homan’s personal experience with how illegal immigration impacts local workers was also shared, mentioning a father-son company that laid off 20 U.S. citizen employees due to competitive bidding pressures. The administration claims that these workplace raids have played a key role in achieving the nation’s current border security status. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the economic impact on companies and the potential for increased legal challenges against such enforcement actions.
Despite the significant number of arrests, the U.S. government has also highlighted the economic benefits of the raids, arguing that they protect domestic jobs and wages. Homan’s comments continue to frame the situation as a necessary measure to enforce immigration laws and maintain economic competitiveness. The issue has sparked a social media firestorm and is a key point in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and its effects on the American workforce.