South Korea Probes Human Rights Violations in US Hyundai Raid
South Korea has launched an investigation into possible human rights abuses following a large U.S. immigration raid targeting South Korean workers at Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia. This incident has raised alarm over the treatment of detained workers and increased diplomatic tensions between Seoul and Washington.
Background of the September Raid
On September 4, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided the Hyundai construction site in Georgia. They detained about 475 workers, over 300 of whom were South Korean nationals. The U.S. authorities accused many of working without proper authorization or overstaying their visas. This was one of the largest immigration enforcement actions at a single site in recent years.
Treatment of Detained Workers
The detained workers described harsh conditions during their arrest and detention. They said officials shackled them, denied them information about their rights, and held them in cramped, unhygienic facilities. These accounts sparked concerns of human rights violations. In response, South Korea demanded a full investigation of the raid and call for protections for its citizens.
Diplomatic and Economic Consequences
South Korea’s government voiced “strong regret” over the raid and called on the U.S. to safeguard Korean workers’ rights. President Lee Jae-myung described the enforcement operation as “bewildering” and warned it could damage future foreign investment. Hyundai also announced a delay of at least two months in opening the facility due to the raid’s disruption. Trade unions in South Korea have since demanded a formal apology from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who began the crackdown on immigration enforcement.
Government Review Ongoing
South Korean officials are working closely with companies and U.S. authorities to review the incident. They aim to determine if violations occurred or if any procedural lapses contributed to the workers’ treatment. While most detained workers have returned home safely, this issue has highlighted the delicate balance between immigration enforcement and workers’ rights protections.
Balancing Enforcement and Rights
This raid underscores the challenges faced by governments in enforcing immigration laws while respecting human rights. Both South Korea and the U.S. face pressure to handle such situations with care to maintain strong economic and diplomatic relations. Protecting labor mobility while respecting legal frameworks remains a complex issue.
