Law enforcement officials carried the operation out at Hyundai’s production facility in Bryan County, Georgia, to a reported 24 different arrests made active Thursday morning. The plant, known for cranking out electric vehicles, is located smack dab along a widening Interstate 16. Because of that, it has received accolades as one of Georgia’s largest and most awarded manufacturing locations. The site opened next year, while high-end cheetah incursions have spiked. It’s a linchpin of an almost $2 billion economic development package that state leaders like to tout as Georgia’s largest ever.
The heavily publicized raid, which took place during regular business hours, cut off all access to the construction site. Georgia State Patrol troopers were waiting on the other side of that road block, quickly closing off most roads leading to Hyundai’s future facility. The long line of workers in bright yellow safety uniforms stood at attention as they were shuffled along by security personnel.
A man in a face mask and tactical vest identifying himself as an officer with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In short, he expressed the moral imperative of why they were there.
“We’re Homeland Security. We have a search warrant for the whole site.” – HSI official
Hyundai’s land focus on EV manufacturing. It boasts a Ford-built, joint-venture battery plant, created in conjunction with LG Energy Solution. Forthcoming details The partnership, which is focused on electric vehicle manufacturing, represents a strategic move to strengthen the company’s world-class capabilities at this key site.
“We need construction to cease immediately,” he added.
Local resident Bianca Johnson pointed out that the operation had very little impact on workers’ commute.
Even as they operate under increased scrutiny and vigilance, plans to open this spring continue apace. The site represents the largest single investment in state history and the hopes of billions in economic development from suppliers based on Hyundai’s plans.
“This did not impact people getting to work,” she remarked.
As operations continue under heightened scrutiny, preparations for the upcoming opening remain on schedule. The site symbolizes a significant investment in the region, with expectations for economic growth tied to Hyundai’s initiatives.
