Summary:
US immigration authorities detained approximately 300 South Korean nationals during a raid at Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution’s EV battery plant construction site in Georgia. The September 2025 operation led by Homeland Security Investigations targeted alleged unlawful employment practices, questioning whether workers violated B-1 business visa or Visa Waiver Program terms. South Korea’s government formally protested the detentions, calling them an infringement on legitimate business activities and initiating high-level diplomatic interventions. This incident highlights escalating tensions between US immigration enforcement priorities and multinational corporations’ operational needs amid growing EV sector investments.
What This Means for You:
- Visa Compliance Verification: Review all foreign worker classifications with immigration counsel, particularly for technical specialists on short-term assignments
- Operational Risk Planning: Implement transparent immigration audits for contractor teams to prevent workforce disruptions during enforcement actions
- Diplomatic Engagement Protocols: Establish direct communication channels with relevant embassies for rapid response to immigration incidents
- Regulatory Forecast Alert: Anticipate increased USCIS scrutiny of temporary business activities under current administration’s immigration enforcement policies
Original Post:
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 450 foreign workers at Hyundai’s Bryan County EV battery megasite construction project on September 4, 2025. South Korean officials confirmed 300 detainees held Republic of Korea passports, including contractor personnel on temporary business visas. The joint Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) operation targeted suspected violations of Immigration and Nationality Act Section 274A regarding unauthorized employment.
Today @ATFAtlanta joined HSI in enforcement at Hyundai battery plant leading to apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens pic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6
— ATF Atlanta (@ATFAtlanta) September 4, 2025
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs contested the detentions, emphasizing that workers engaged in “legitimate technology transfer activities” permitted under international investment agreements. The diplomatic protest cited potential violations of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement’s business visa provisions.
Extra Information:
- USCIS I-9 Compliance Handbook (Verification requirements for foreign national employment)
- South Korea’s Visa Policy Framework (Official business visa guidelines for overseas assignments)
People Also Ask:
- Can business visa holders conduct equipment installation?
B-1 visas permit limited technical supervision but prohibit hands-on labor per 9 FAM 402.2-5(B). - What penalties do companies face for unauthorized employment?
Civil fines up to $23,611 per violation and potential criminal indictments under 8 USC §1324a. - Does the Visa Waiver Program allow construction work?
ESTA authorization strictly prohibits gainful employment under any circumstances. - How will this impact Hyundai’s EV production timeline?
Project delays are likely given expertise transfer requirements for battery manufacturing processes.
Expert Opinion:
“This raid represents a strategic escalation in worksite enforcement, directly targeting critical infrastructure projects traditionally granted operational flexibility. Multinationals must now implement dual-layer compliance systems addressing both USCIS regulations and geopolitical sensitivities in bilateral investment partnerships,” notes Dr. Elena Torres, Senior Fellow at Georgetown’s Center for Trade and Immigration Law.
Key Terms:
- Homeland Security Investigations worksite enforcement operations
- EV battery plant immigration compliance violations
- B-1 business visa limitations for technical workers
- US-Korea FTA business traveler provisions
- Unauthorized employment penalties INA §274A
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