Immigration authorities in the United States storm Hyundai-LG Energy's manufacturing facility in the state of Georgia.
In a significant turn of events, US authorities conducted a raid on the electric-car battery factory being built by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution (LGES) in Georgia. The joint venture between the two companies, announced in 2023, is part of Hyundai's $12.6 billion investment in Georgia and is valued at $4.3 billion.
The raid, which was carried out by several agencies including the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was part of an investigation into unlawful employment practices. According to reports, up to 450 workers, including multiple South Korean nationals, were detained during the operation.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the raid as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration, a policy that has seen ICE arrests soar to record levels under President Trump, with nearly 60,000 people in detention, according to agency figures.
The joint venture is "cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities regarding activity at our construction site", LGES stated. LGES is also working with the South Korean government and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of employees and contractors' staff, and to secure their swift release from detention.
The battery plant under construction is scheduled to begin operations at the end of this year, according to LGES. However, construction was suspended after the raid. Hyundai, on the other hand, stated that the raid did not affect EV production at its separate Georgia factory.
The raid represents a setback for the biggest foreign investment in Georgia, where Hyundai has been making electric vehicles since October. The incident comes amid growing tensions between Seoul and Washington over investments made by South Korean companies in the US as part of a trade deal.
Lee Jae-woong, a spokesman for South Korea's foreign ministry, criticized the raid, stating that it infringes on the companies' economic activities and people's rights. The spokesman's comments reflect concerns in South Korea about the potential for increased scrutiny of South Korean investments in the US.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration and deport "the worst of the worst" criminals. The raid at the Hyundai-LGES factory is a clear example of this policy in action.
It is important to note that the responsible parties involved in the cooperation with the US authorities regarding the operation against illegal employment practices at the Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery factory are primarily the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supported by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Atlanta, under the US Department of Homeland Security. The Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution are involved as operators of the factory, but there is no official statement from Hyundai on the cooperation details.
The stock market was affected by the news, with LGES shares falling more than 2% on Friday, while Hyundai shares closed down 0.7%. The future of the joint venture and the battery plant remains uncertain, as the investigation continues.
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