The South Korean government has initiated a formal investigation into potential human rights violations following a large-scale U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, where over 300 South Korean nationals were detained. The incident occurred on September 4, 2025, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), apprehended 475 individuals at the $4.3 billion facility located near Savannah.

Reports indicate that the majority of those detained were engineers or equipment installers, present in the U.S. on B-1 business visitor visas or through the visa waiver program. Their legal representatives have emphasized that these individuals were engaged in specialized, short-term tasks rather than long-term employment. Disturbingly, footage released by ICE depicted several workers shackled during transportation, sparking international concern over their treatment.

In response to the raid, South Korea's Foreign Ministry is scrutinizing the conditions of detention, the appropriateness of the visa statuses issued, and whether the detainees had adequate access to legal counsel and interpreters. Efforts have been made to coordinate with U.S. officials to secure a voluntary return of the workers to South Korea via a chartered flight, aiming to circumvent the harsher repercussions of formal deportation.

During recent bilateral talks in Seoul, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed "deep regret" over the incident, acknowledging the distress caused to the detained workers and the potential diplomatic strain. The primary concerns now hinge on whether the B-1 visas and visa waiver entries were misused for activities requiring distinct work permits, an issue that could have significant legal and diplomatic fallout.

The South Korean government is particularly focused on the long-term implications of reentry into the U.S. for those involved, seeking to ensure that these workers do not face future entry bans. Both nations have pledged ongoing dialogue as the investigations continue, with Seoul vowing to monitor the situation closely to protect its citizens' rights and uphold the integrity of its investments in U.S. industries.

This incident not only highlights the complexities of international labor and immigration laws but also underscores the delicate balance between enforcing national policies and respecting human rights.