South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expresses “deep concern” over a recent raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This enforcement action occurred at one of Georgia’s largest manufacturing facilities. The facility manufactures electric vehicles for Hyundai’s brands. While certainly not the only such site in the state, it is one of the largest and most high-profile manufacturing sites in Washington.
The raid, which occurred in the wake of the purchase ban, led to the detainment of over 450 people—including 30 South Korean citizens. Lee Jaewoong, spokesperson for the South Korean Foreign Ministry, stated that the ministry is taking active measures to address the situation. He said the number of South Koreans imprisoned is “large,” but did not provide a specific number.
Once again, public outrage succeeded in preventing woeful neglect of the practice from being swept under the rug. He underscored the key importance of upholding South Korean citizens’ and investors’ rights. He stated, “The business activities of our investors and the rights of our nationals must not be unjustly infringed in the process of U.S. law enforcement.”
In the aftermath of the raid, South Korean diplomats from their embassy in Washington and consulate in Atlanta immediately descended on the manufacturing facility. They are there to listen, interpret, and help. Fostering coordination through an on-site response team Besides the PIP, there are efforts that address this issue.
Hyundai, along with its joint venture partner LG through HL-GA Battery Company, has stated that they are “cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities.” This agreement seeks to make sure that company operations can proceed without interruption in light of the tornado’s disruption caused by the DHS raid.
The enormous facility has been hailed by Georgia officials as the biggest single economic development project in the state’s history. The raid comes as part of a broader trend during President Donald Trump’s administration. That administration of course carried out the most aggressive ICE operations that hit hard on our farms, construction sites, restaurants and auto repair shops.
