More than 300 South Korean workers detained in a large immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia have returned home, in a case that has sparked diplomatic tension between Seoul and Washington.
A chartered Korean Air flight carrying the workers and 14 other foreign nationals landed at Incheon International Airport on Friday. One South Korean national chose to remain in the United States to pursue permanent residency, officials said.
The raid, which took place last week, saw U.S. authorities detain 475 people — over 300 of them South Koreans — for allegedly working illegally at Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery facility, one of the largest foreign investment projects in Georgia. Detainees were reportedly handcuffed and shackled, fueling outrage in South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized the incident, warning it could discourage future investment in the U.S. “If sending workers to help set up overseas plants is no longer allowed, companies will question whether it’s worth establishing facilities in the U.S. at all,” he said.
Hyundai Chief Executive José Muñoz confirmed the raid will delay the factory’s opening by at least two months, citing the sudden loss of skilled workers. LG Energy Solution, Hyundai’s partner on the project, said many of the detained staff had valid visas or were in the U.S. under waiver programs.
The South Korean foreign ministry said it has urged U.S. lawmakers to create new visa pathways for Korean firms. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun raised the issue directly with senators in Washington this week, stressing concerns over the arrests.
At Incheon Airport, security was tight as the workers disembarked. Dozens of journalists and a small group of protesters gathered, some holding banners criticizing U.S. immigration practices and questioning continued Korean investment.
“I’m back, I’m free,” one returning worker shouted as others were escorted onto buses to reunite with families. South Korea’s foreign ministry has requested the media blur images of the workers to protect their privacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump defended the raid, saying foreign companies must comply with immigration laws if they wish to operate in the country. He added that his administration would make it “quickly and legally possible” for firms to bring workers if they followed proper procedures.
The operation comes at a sensitive time, as the U.S. and South Korea hold trade talks. Local media in Seoul have warned that the raid risks straining bilateral relations and could have a chilling effect on future investments.