Protesters apprehended at a South Korean manufacturing facility labeled as 'unauthorized immigrants' by Trump

Hyundai Construction Site Raid: 475 Arrested in Largest Single Enforcement Operation

In a significant development, a raid conducted by US immigration officials at an electric vehicle battery construction site in Georgia resulted in the arrest of 475 individuals. This operation, according to Homeland Security Investigations, is the largest single site enforcement operation in its history.

The majority of those arrested were South Koreans, with more than 300 believed to be of South Korean nationality. However, most of the approximately 300 arrested workers of Honduran nationality were also among those detained. The exact number of South Korean nationals among the arrested workers has not been specified yet.

The arrested individuals were illegally present in the United States, with some having crossed the border illegally, some using a visa waiver program that prohibits them from working, and some having overstayed their visas. It is important to note that none of those detained are directly employed by Hyundai Motor, as stated by Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai Motor America has expressed its commitment to full compliance with all laws and regulations in every market where they operate. This includes employment verification requirements and immigration laws. The company will conduct an investigation to ensure all suppliers and their subcontractors comply with all laws and regulations, stressing that it has zero tolerance for those who do not follow the law.

During the raid, several people attempted to flee the location, with a handful running into a sewage pond located on the premises. Agents used a boat to fish them out of the water. Those who attempted to flee were identified as illegal workers.

The arrests were made during the execution of a search warrant as part of a criminal probe into allegations of unlawful employment practices and serious federal crimes. The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia noted that all people are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Those arrested were taken into custody by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. The US President, Donald Trump, described the workers arrested in the Georgia plant construction site raid as "illegal aliens."

South Korea's foreign ministry has voiced "concern and regret" over the raid, emphasizing the importance of protecting people's rights. The arrested individuals will be moved based on their individual circumstances, with most of them brought to the Folkston Immigration Detention Center in Folkston, Georgia on Thursday night. The arrested individuals include subcontractors working for a variety of different companies.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to immigration laws and regulations, and the consequences of non-compliance.

Protesters apprehended at a South Korean manufacturing facility labeled as 'unauthorized immigrants' by Trump