475 Detained in ICE Raid at Hyundai Georgia Plant: What We Know

(ELLABELL, GEORGIA) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out a sweeping worksite action at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America facility on Thursday, September 4, 2025, detaining 475 people in what officials called the largest single-site enforcement operation in Homeland Security Investigations’ 22-year history. The Hyundai plant sits in Ellabell, Georgia, about 30 miles west of Savannah, and anchors a fast-growing electric vehicle and battery hub.

Most of those taken into custody were Korean nationals, with others from additional countries, according to officials briefed on the operation.

Investigation and law-enforcement rationale

HSI Atlanta’s Special Agent Steven Schrank said the action followed months of investigative work into possible unlawful employment and visa violations and was backed by a judge-issued search warrant. The agency framed the raid as part of a broader push to hold employers and staffing networks accountable and to safeguard job opportunities for U.S. workers.

As of Friday, no criminal charges had been announced. The investigation remains active, and federal officials plan further briefings in the coming days.

“The operation followed months of investigative work… backed by a judge-issued search warrant.” — HSI Atlanta

Who was detained and the companies involved

The scope of the operation stretched beyond Hyundai’s main line. Detainees included workers connected to:

• Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (Ellabell facility)
• LG Energy Solution — Hyundai’s battery partner
• Multiple subcontractors active across construction and early production areas

Hyundai said it is cooperating fully with authorities and, to its knowledge, none of those detained were direct Hyundai Motor Company employees. The company said it has launched a review of labor and immigration compliance across its contracting chains.

LG Energy Solution said it is working to verify how many of its own personnel were detained and is monitoring developments at the site.

Economic and local impact

The raid unfolded at a sensitive moment for the Hyundai plant, a centerpiece of Georgia’s economy. Georgia officials have billed the project as the state’s largest, with an expected $12.6 billion in investment and nearly 40,000 jobs across direct employment and suppliers.

Industry analysts warn that weeks of uncertainty could:

• Ripple through the plant’s timeline
• Affect training schedules
• Pressure the broader EV supply chain across the Southeast

Labor groups in Georgia said the action felt political and warned that workers with legal status may now fear showing up at job sites, increasing the risk of slowdowns or walk-offs among subcontractor crews.

Diplomatic response from South Korea

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expressed “concerns and regret,” urging U.S. authorities to protect the rights of detained Korean nationals and to avoid unfair treatment. Seoul:

• Dispatched officials to Georgia and Washington, D.C.
• Set up a task force to assist affected nationals
• Arranged legal support and coordinated with U.S. agencies

Diplomats said they will continue to press for regular access to detainees and for swift information-sharing about custody locations, bond options, and next steps.

Processing and legal procedures for detainees

Under Department of Homeland Security procedures, each person detained is processed to confirm identity, immigration history, and documents. Those found to be without status or in violation of visa terms are transferred to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations for case handling that can include:

• Detention
• Bond hearings before an immigration judge
• Placement in removal proceedings

For families and employers, the path ahead may involve long waits for court dates and sudden schedule changes that can disrupt paychecks, schooling, and production targets alike.

Policy context and enforcement trends

The action also reflects the current policy climate. After years in which large worksite raids were rare, enforcement ramped up in 2025 with a return to high‑profile operations under President Trump.

• The Biden administration had emphasized employer accountability over mass arrests.
• This raid signals a renewed willingness to use visible on-site actions to probe alleged fraud and unauthorized employment in sectors drawing heavy foreign capital.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the size of the Hyundai plant project and its mix of direct hires, international partners, and layered subcontractors made it especially likely to draw extra scrutiny.

Industrial and diplomatic implications

Hyundai’s EV ramp-up and partnership with LG Energy Solution have been a source of pride for both the United States 🇺🇸 and South Korea. The plant opened in early 2025, with plans to produce the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9.

The raid adds a diplomatic wrinkle just as the two countries seek to expand clean energy cooperation and guard EV supply chains from geopolitical shocks. Korean business figures worry about reputational damage and delays if the investigation widens or if key subcontractors face sanctions, fines, or leadership changes.

Compliance measures companies are taking

For now, Hyundai and LG say they will support lawful verification checks within their contractor networks and reinforce compliance programs. Key measures include:

• Careful workforce screening — especially Form I-9 employment verification (required for each new hire)
• Use of E-Verify as an additional check

For official guidance on employer responsibilities and DHS priorities, see DHS’s page on worksite enforcement at dhs.gov.

Policy and legal context (detailed)

HSI officials said the Ellabell operation targeted alleged unauthorized employment and visa violations tied to a web of contracting arrangements. Worksite probes often examine whether staffing firms or subcontractors:

• Misclassified workers
• Used falsified documents
• Violated visa terms (job duties, location limits, wage rules)

Investigators also look for signs of exploitation, including withheld wages or threats tied to immigration status.

While no charges have been filed, investigators could bring:

• Employer sanctions cases
• Fraud counts
• Wage and hour referrals

depending on the evidence.

Stakeholder perspectives:

• Unions and worker advocates argue large raids can punish rank‑and‑file crews who may have followed a recruiter’s instructions or who hold pending applications. They warn sudden detentions can separate families and leave children without caregivers.
• Business groups say fast‑growing projects face tight labor markets and complex compliance demands. They seek clearer federal guidance and predictable audits rather than surprise actions that halt production.

Immigration lawyers in Georgia advise detainees to expect rapid screenings and then transfers to facilities where they can request bond from an immigration judge. Some may be placed in removal proceedings; eligibility for relief depends on individual history and ties.

For employers, potential consequences include:

• Steep fines for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers
• Criminal charges in egregious cases
• Pressure to audit vendors and terminate noncompliant firms if document fraud or visa abuse is found

Companies that strengthen hiring controls, run regular internal audits, and train managers on verification rules tend to fare better during investigations.

What happens next for detained workers

ICE will continue to process detainees and decide who remains in custody, who receives a bond hearing, and who is released with check-ins while cases move forward.

Actions and resources for families and detainees:

1. Keep close contact with consulates and legal counsel.
   • The South Korean Embassy has staff on the ground to help locate detainees, pass messages, and coordinate legal resources.
2. If placed in removal proceedings, expect a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge.
3. Those seeking bond will have judges assess flight risk and criminal history.
4. If ordered removed, individuals can ask ICE for a temporary stay of removal by filing Form I-246 with the local field office (approvals are case‑by‑case).

Employment records matters:

• Correct completion and retention of the Form I-9 is required for every hire.
• The official form and instructions are available through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at uscis.gov.

Local community effects

The Ellabell community is already feeling practical effects:

• Local schools may see absences as parents juggle court dates and detention visits.
• Small businesses near the Hyundai plant worry about fewer customers if shifts are cut.
• County leaders are seeking clarity from federal officials and company partners to keep construction and training moving.

Hyundai has told state leaders it remains committed to the project and will cooperate with the investigation while trying to limit disruption.

Diplomatic balancing act and broader consequences

Diplomats in Washington and Seoul will monitor the case closely. South Korea wants assurances that its nationals receive due process and that the broader U.S.–Korea investment climate stays stable. U.S. officials point to the rule of law and say the same standards apply across industries.

The balance between tough enforcement and a steady economic partnership will likely shape future talks about EV and battery investments.

Human side: the workers affected

The focus remains on people caught in the middle:

• Welders, electricians, logistics staff, quality inspectors, safety monitors, and clerks
• Some may have proper visas but still face interviews and document checks
• Others may be in gray areas — expired status, pending filings, or misinformation from a recruiter

Their next weeks likely include legal screenings, possible bond hearings, and difficult choices about family and work.

Ongoing steps and outlook

• HSI and DHS have scheduled more briefings as the investigation develops.
• Company officials continue to review vendor files.
• Union leaders plan meetings with affected families.
• Immigration courts will set calendars.

The Hyundai plant in Ellabell, Georgia — built to speed the shift to electric vehicles — must now adjust to a different kind of shock, one with legal, human, and economic aftershocks that could echo far beyond the assembly line.