Mass detentions at Hyundai facilities in the United States spark concern in South Korea
In a recent development, a raid took place at a Hyundai battery plant in the US state of Georgia, leading to diplomatic tensions between the US and South Korea. The economic activities of companies investing in the US, including Hyundai Motor Group, should not be "unfairly" infringed upon, according to the Foreign Ministry in Seoul.
The construction site of the battery plant is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and a South Korean energy company. The automaker, Hyundai Motor Company, is the South Korean company involved in this venture. The construction site for battery cells, as per Hyundai Motor Group's website, is part of their operations. However, the specific construction site where the raid took place was not specified.
The raid, conducted by the FBI and ICE, focused on foreigners allegedly being in the US illegally or working without proper permission. Around 475 foreigners were arrested during the operation, with the majority being Koreans, although exact numbers are yet to be provided. It's important to note that the arrested individuals were not directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company.
The US prosecutor's office aims to prevent illegal employment and exploitation of workers. The investigations took place at a construction site of a company for battery cells, but the construction site for Hyundai's battery cells was not specified as the location of the raid.
The automaker, Hyundai Motor Company, has stated that they comply with all laws and regulations. The Foreign Ministry in Seoul has conveyed their concern and regret to the US embassy, expressing their commitment to protecting the rights and interests of South Korean citizens.
This incident marks a significant diplomatic concern between the US and South Korea, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting the economic activities of international companies and the rights of their employees. The situation is currently under investigation by the US Department of Homeland Security.
