US arrests 475 at Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia • The Register
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arm of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it executed its largest single-site raid to date, detaining 475 people at the Hyundai–LG battery plant under construction in Georgia.
Dubbed Operation Low Voltage, hundreds of federal agents entered the facility on Thursday, according to HSI Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank, who called “the largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations.” He added this was not a random raid, but one that had been planned months in advance.
“This was a significant undertaking with substantial results. Over 400 agents participated in this massive event, and over 400 illegal workers were identified and detained,” said United States Attorney Margaret Heap in a statement.
“The goal of this operation is to reduce illegal employment and prevent employers from gaining an unfair advantage by hiring unauthorized workers. Another goal is to protect unauthorized workers from exploitation.”
According to the US, several panicked suspects tried to escape via a sewage pond next to the factory, and officers rescued them by boat. One soul tried to overturn one of the law enforcement boats by diving underneath it.
Hyundai cut the ribbon on its 3,000-acre (1,214-hectare) Metaplant EV factory in Georgia in March, while a separate Hyundai–LG battery joint venture is still under construction next door. Together with another joint venture, the projects form part of a $12.6 billion investment package the South Korean automaker has pledged in the state. At the opening, Republican governor Brian Kemp claimed the investment was “a once-in-a-generation opportunity.” But the South Korean government is very unhappy about the raid and dispatched diplomats to Georgia to assist its nationals and press Washington to respect their rights.
“The economic activities of Korean investment companies and the rights and interests of Korean citizens must not be unfairly infringed upon during US law enforcement operations,” South Korea’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
An official said some of those detained were in the US on valid visas. Reports also indicate that a number of LG Energy Solution staff visiting from South Korea were caught up in the raid.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and gathering all relevant details,” LG told The Register. “Our top priority is always ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and partners. We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities.” ®
