Federal authorities apprehend 475 individuals in a single-site raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant, proclaiming it as the largest single-site arrest operation.

In a significant turn of events, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed the largest single-site raid in its history at the Hyundai-LG battery plant under construction in Georgia. The operation, named Operation Low Voltage, was carried out by hundreds of federal agents on Thursday.

The Hyundai-LG battery joint venture, which is still under construction next to Hyundai's factory, forms part of a $12.6 billion investment package the South Korean automaker has pledged in Georgia. Hyundai cut the ribbon on its Metaplant EV factory in Georgia in March. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) conducted the ceremonial act for Hyundai's 3,000-acre Metaplant electric vehicle factory in Georgia in the same month.

The raid was not a random operation, but one that had been planned months in advance. Steven Schrank, HSI Special Agent in Charge, described the operation as the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations. During the raid, several suspects attempted to escape via a sewage pond next to the factory. Law enforcement officers rescued some panicked suspects by boat.

One suspect tried to overturn a law enforcement boat by diving underneath it. United States Attorney Margaret Heap stated that over 400 agents participated in the raid and over 400 illegal workers were identified and detained. Some of those detained during the raid were reportedly on valid visas, indicating a complex web of immigration issues.

The South Korean foreign ministry issued a statement expressing concern over the raid's potential impact on Korean investment companies and citizens. The ministry dispatched diplomats to Georgia to assist its nationals and press Washington to respect their rights. LG Energy Solution staff visiting from South Korea were caught up in the raid.

The goal of the 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. The South Korean government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens working abroad.