U.S. authorities announced that during a large-scale operation against illegal immigration, 475 people were arrested, most of them South Korean citizens, who according to the Department of Homeland Security were working illegally.
The arrests took place during a raid at a joint Hyundai and LG Energy Solution factory in Georgia, USA.
“Individuals with short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the U.S.,” said the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), adding that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs.
President Donald Trump defended the operation, emphasizing that it involved “illegal migrants” and that U.S. agencies were “simply doing their job.”
This situation has raised alarm in Seoul, where officials declared that “there will be a full response” following the arrest of more than 300 of its citizens.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held an emergency meeting, saying he felt “a great sense of responsibility for the arrest of our citizens.” He confirmed that a special task force has been established to follow the case.
Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution announced it has suspended most business trips to the U.S. and is working for the swift release of the detainees.
The incident comes at a delicate moment, risking new tensions in U.S.–South Korea relations, as the two allies are currently engaged in sensitive economic and trade negotiations.
