The US government has said it will tighten labor laws for immigrants after the immigration agency launched a large-scale raid at Hyundai's auto battery factory construction site in Ellabell, Georgia. This is considered the largest execution campaign in the history of the US Department of Homeland Security, with about 475 workers arrested, most of whom were South Korean.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said that all foreign workers sent to the US to work on projects must enter the US legally and have a full work permit. She affirmed that President Donald Trump is determined to fulfill his commitment to making the US the best destination for investment, in parallel with tightening immigration laws.
According to the investigation agency, the number of workers arrested has illegally crossed the border or expired their visas. The campaign, called Operation Low Voltage, has been prepared for several months, mobilizing more than 400 law enforcement staff. Some workers tried to escape and some were even pulled up from the wastewater pond in the area.
Hyundai confirmed that the arrested were not direct employees of the company but workers from a network of subcontractors. The group representative said that Mr. Chris Susock, North American Production Director, will take over the management of the entire project area. The airline is committed to opening an investigation to ensure all partners comply with the law, while emphasizing "noinceering" on violations.
The location of the incident was part of a $4.3 billion investment between Hyundai and LG Energy Solutions (LGES) to build an electric vehicle battery factory, expected to supply Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles. LGES said it is cooperating with the investigation agency and has temporarily suspended construction. The incident caused Hyundai shares to fall 0.7% and LGES to lose 2.3% of its value.
The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern, emphasizing that the legitimate interests of citizens and businesses of this country in the US must be protected during the law enforcement process. The arrest also risks increasing tensions between Washington and Seoul as the two countries remain disagree on the details of the trade deal.
