Korea Probes Human Rights Abuses in ICE Operation as Trump Advocates for Increased Investments | Carscoops
Seoul announced that it will investigate potential "human rights violations or inconveniences to our people."
7 hours ago
by Brad Anderson
South Korea repatriated 316 workers who had been detained for one week following an immigration raid in Georgia.
The detainees reported experiencing shackling and pressure to sign ambiguous documents without proper understanding.
Officials mentioned issues concerning access to medication and restricted phone call opportunities during the detention.
The repercussions from the recent US immigration raid at the joint venture plant of Hyundai and LG in Georgia continue to unfold. Following the return of 316 skilled workers who had been held for a week, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is examining the case to see if the treatment of its citizens constituted human rights violations.
More: Trump Aimed for Hyundai’s Korean Workers to Train Americans, Seoul Refused
Upon arriving back in South Korea, many workers reported feeling criminalized by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Several claimed they faced pressure to sign documents without clear explanations regarding their content.
Allegations of Mistreatment
According to the Korea Times, those detained were shackled and handcuffed before being taken to a detention center in Folkstown, Georgia, where South Korean and US officials negotiated for their release. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated, “We will continue to investigate whether there were any human rights violations or inconveniences to our people. We are also in close coordination with local companies to evaluate the situation.”
Another government official noted that while consular meetings at the detention center did not reveal blatant violations, notable issues arose related to access to medication and the ability to make phone calls.
“During consular meetings with detained individuals on-site, we were unable to gather complete details due to time limitations,” the Korean official explained. “Our main priority in negotiations with US officials was to ensure their prompt release and swift return home. The government may express concerns through diplomatic channels, but at this point, we believe it's vital for the companies to assess the situation, and the government will intervene if necessary.”
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have asserted that the arrests and raid were conducted in full accordance with the law.
Trump’s Reaction
In the aftermath of the raid, it was reported that US President Donald Trump suggested that the Korean workers remain in the United States temporarily to help train local employees before their repatriation. As the situation escalated, Trump took to social media to clarify his position and to reassure foreign businesses that the incident should not deter them from investing in the US.
“When Foreign Companies that are constructing extremely complex products, machines, and other items come into the United States with substantial investments, I want them to bring their experts for a period to teach and train our people in producing these distinctive and intricate goods, as they phase out of our Country and return to their homeland,” he wrote. “I do not wish to dissuade or discourage investment in America by outside nations or companies.”
Concerns Regarding Employment Status
ICE indicated that the detained individuals were either working in the US without proper authorization or had overstayed their visas. Hyundai later clarified that none of them were its direct employees, while LG Energy Solution, which operates the plant in partnership with Hyundai, noted that some of those detained did possess visas or had entered via the visa waiver program.
Today, @ATFAtlanta participated alongside HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP, and other agencies in a significant immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of approximately 450 undocumented individuals, underscoring our commitment to community safety. #ATF pic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6— ATF Atlanta (@ATFAtlanta) September 4, 2025
Photo Hyundai Motor Group
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Korea Probes Human Rights Abuses in ICE Operation as Trump Advocates for Increased Investments | Carscoops
Seoul has stated that they will look into whether there were any "violations of human rights or discomforts experienced by our citizens."