US authorities make multiple arrests at Hyundai locations, raising concerns in South Korea
The US Attorney's Office has announced ongoing investigations at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, aiming to prevent illegal employment and the exploitation of workers. On a construction site of a company for battery cells, a joint venture involving the Hyundai Motor Group and a South Korean energy company, hundreds of arrests occurred.
According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the majority of those arrested were Koreans, although the exact numbers were not provided. The Hyundai Motor Company, in a statement, clarified that none of those arrested were directly employed by them. The raid took place at the battery plant, not on the main Hyundai Motor Company premises.
The Hyundai Motor Company, as previously stated, adheres to laws and regulations. The company CATL, involved in the construction of the battery cell factory in Georgia alongside the Hyundai Motor Group, did not appear to be the target of the raid.
The arrests have led to diplomatic tensions between the USA and South Korea. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conveyed concerns and regrets to the US Embassy. They also expressed concern over the economic activities of companies investing in the USA, stating that the rights and interests of their own citizens should not be "unfairly" violated.
However, no new information about diplomatic tensions, concerns, or regrets from the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs was provided in this paragraph. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul has also stated that none of those arrested were directly employed by the Hyundai Motor Company.
The US authorities, including the FBI and ICE, conducted the raid at the Hyundai battery plant in the US state of Georgia the day before. Around 475 foreigners were arrested during the raid, either for allegedly being in the USA illegally or working there without proper permission.
This incident comes as a surprise to many, given the Hyundai Motor Company's commitment to following laws and regulations. The South Korean government will likely continue to monitor the situation closely and engage in diplomatic discussions with the US government to ensure the rights and interests of their citizens are protected.
