Key Takeaways:

• Over 300 South Koreans were held in a major ICE raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia.
• Their departure was delayed by a possible work stay offer by former President Donald Trump.
• The South Koreans are now expected to return home on Thursday.
• U.S. and South Korean officials held talks to resolve the matter diplomatically.

South Koreans Detained in U.S. Battery Plant Raid

More than 300 South Koreans can finally leave the United States this week after being detained during a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation. The unexpected ICE raid took place at a Hyundai-LG battery factory in Georgia, raising global attention and diplomatic concern.

These workers were originally scheduled to return home Wednesday, but last-minute developments caused their departure to be postponed. Now, they are set to leave Thursday as talks between American and South Korean officials have settled the issue. The core reason behind the delay appears to be an offer made by former President Donald Trump.

Unexpected Delay Due to Trump Offer

According to reports, Trump expressed interest in having the South Korean workers continue their roles in the U.S. to support the battery manufacturing plant. With global electric vehicle demand rising fast, battery production is a key part of America’s tech and energy future.

Trump’s suggestion, however, created confusion during the diplomatic process. Although not in office, his influence reportedly reached top negotiators, causing a delay as American and Korean officials worked to decide the best path forward.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun were involved in discussions, aiming to ensure the detainees’ safety and dignity during their stay—no matter how brief—in the U.S. These kind of talks show how immigration issues can quickly become international matters.

Why the Hyundai-LG Plant Raid Happened

The factory at the center of the issue is a joint battery production facility owned by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. It serves a vital role in America’s push toward electric vehicles and renewable energy.

However, ICE agents launched a massive raid last week, claiming the plant had failed to meet U.S. immigration requirements. In total, they took more than 300 South Korean nationals into custody.

The workers, many of whom had been in the country for months, were said to be staying under temporary work visas or similar programs. ICE has not yet revealed what triggered the sweep. Still, experts believe that stricter enforcement of immigration guidelines may be an effort to crack down on labor rule violations.

Tension Between Immigration Law and Global Business

This case shows the challenges of balancing modern global trade with American immigration law. EV battery factories often rely on overseas experts to get production started. In this case, it seems U.S. officials believed the company didn’t properly document or manage its foreign workers.

On the other hand, the sudden ICE raid raised alarms among business leaders and foreign governments. Many saw it as an unfriendly move that could hurt international partnerships and future investments in U.S.-based manufacturing.

This event brings attention to the tension between enforcing immigration laws and keeping America open to global business projects—especially those tied to clean energy and job creation.

Trump’s Role Raises Eyebrows

Even though Donald Trump left office years ago, he still finds ways to influence decisions. Reports say he offered to let the South Korean workers stay on temporary work permits to avoid slowing down the construction process at the plant.

This interference caused delays in sending the detainees home and sparked debate over whether private individuals, especially former presidents, should get involved in such sensitive matters.

While the offer was not made official through government channels, it was serious enough that it held up travel arrangements and diplomatic discussions.

Talks Between U.S. and South Korea Help Diffuse Tension

Thankfully, things are now moving forward. Talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun smoothed out the situation. Both countries agreed that the workers would be allowed to go home safely and with dignity.

South Korean officials made it clear they appreciated the support shown during the process. They also voiced concern over the nature of the raid and urged ICE officials to better communicate with foreign governments in the future.

Battery Manufacturing Still a Priority for the U.S.

Although the raid created fallout, the U.S. remains committed to growing its battery production industry. EV batteries are central to America’s clean energy goals and support thousands of new jobs.

Both Hyundai and LG are major players in this emerging market, and their Georgia plant is a key piece of that puzzle. Despite this setback, the facility is expected to continue production and hire additional workers, this time with more focus on immigration law compliance.

What’s Next for South Korean Workers?

For now, the more than 300 workers are preparing to return home. They have been cleared to travel and are expected to leave the U.S. this Thursday. South Korean airlines are reportedly handling their return, with support from their government.

There is yet no word on whether any of these workers will return to the U.S. for future projects. However, given the demand for skilled labor in battery production, it’s likely similar situations will come up again.

U.S. officials hinted at creating clearer paths for vetted foreign workers to support industries like clean energy, but those changes will take time—and certainly, better coordination.

Final Thoughts

This strange episode mixes politics, diplomacy, business, and immigration in one story. It serves as a reminder of how careful planning, transparency, and international cooperation are needed to build the clean energy future both America and South Korea hope to achieve.

Still, many questions remain about why ICE acted the way it did, and what steps companies need to take so this doesn’t happen again. For now, though, the workers return home, and the battery plant goes back to business—hopefully with better awareness about how law and labor must work together.

FAQs

Why were the South Korean workers detained?

Over 300 workers were detained by ICE for allegedly not having proper immigration documents while working at a battery factory.

What is the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia?

It’s a major factory making electric vehicle batteries. It’s owned by Hyundai and LG, two large South Korean companies.

Did Trump really offer to let the workers stay?

Reportedly, Trump suggested allowing the workers to stay and keep working through temporary permits, which delayed their departure.

What happens next with the battery plant?

The plant is expected to continue operations, likely with stricter immigration checks and a focus on proper staffing procedures.