Savannah, Ga. — Recently, U.S. immigration authorities conducted a significant raid at Hyundai’s electric vehicle manufacturing site in southeast Georgia. This operation paused construction on a nearby factory destined to produce EV batteries.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) shared on X (formerly Twitter) that they collaborated with various federal and state agencies to target this prominent manufacturing site. They apprehended around 450 individuals suspected of unlawful immigration status, underlining their commitment to community safety.
Hyundai Motor Group’s $7.6 billion facility has been one of Georgia’s largest economic projects, employing roughly 1,200 people. Lindsay Williams, a spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed their focus on the construction site for the battery plant, which spans 3,000 acres west of Savannah.
The Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal probe into alleged unlawful employment practices. This action raised concerns from the South Korean Foreign Ministry, which emphasized the need to respect the rights of Korean citizens and companies during U.S. law enforcement activities. They dispatched consular officials to the site to monitor the situation.
Witnesses shared videos on social media showing federal agents arriving and halting work on the construction site. A man identified as part of Homeland Security instructed dozens of workers in safety vests to stop all activities immediately.
Historically, operations like these have intensified under various administrations. For instance, the Trump administration implemented widespread ICE raids across multiple industries, including agriculture and construction. According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. labor force saw a loss of over 1.2 million immigrants in the first half of the year, highlighting ongoing shifts in immigration patterns.
Meanwhile, Hyundai’s manufacturing operations remained unaffected. A spokesperson stated that production continued as usual, and workers were able to reach their jobs without disruption. They confirmed that construction on the battery plant has temporarily halted to cooperate with authorities, though the timeline for its opening next year remains unchanged.
As this situation unfolds, it reflects broader themes around immigration, worker rights, and economic development in the U.S. The upcoming joint venture battery plant by Hyundai and LG Energy Solution is eagerly anticipated, especially in light of the growing EV market.
For more on immigration policy and its impacts, visit the Pew Research Center.
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Immigration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Hyundai
