Atlanta, Georgia, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A charter plane carrying South Korean workers is set to depart from Atlanta for repatriation following their detention during an immigration raid. The flight was postponed due to issues with U.S. authorities after the initial flight was canceled. The South Korean government reached an agreement with the U.S. for their release. Concerns have been raised in South Korea regarding the treatment of the detained workers, with negotiations ongoing for their voluntary departure rather than formal deportations.
Atlanta, Georgia: South Korean Charter Plane Scheduled to Depart for Repatriation of Workers Detained in Immigration Raid
A charter plane carrying South Korean workers is set to depart from Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday at noon, following a series of detentions during an immigration raid. This announcement was made by South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, although no further details were disclosed regarding the circumstances or procedure for the departure.
Airport officials confirmed that a previous flight on Wednesday intended for the return of the workers was canceled, causing further delay in their repatriation. Currently, a total of 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans, are detained after a raid occurred on September 4 at a construction site for a battery factory associated with Hyundai in Georgia.
The situation escalated when video footage from U.S. authorities surfaced, showing some detained workers being shackled with chains, prompting outrage and a sense of betrayal among the South Korean populace. To address these concerns, South Korea’s government confirmed that an agreement has been reached with the U.S. for the workers’ release.
The South Korean charter plane, a Boeing 747-8i operated by Korean Air, arrived in the U.S. on Wednesday morning to aid in the workers’ return. However, the planned departure was postponed due to unspecified issues encountered by U.S. authorities.
In a meeting between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the distress the incident caused among South Koreans was brought to light. Cho expressed a request for the workers to be transported to the airport without restraints, deviating from standard procedure typically applied in such scenarios.
The detained individuals are currently being held at the Folkston Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Georgia. They are expected to be bused approximately 285 miles to Atlanta for their flight. In negotiations, South Korean officials are advocating for the workers’ voluntary departures instead of formal deportations, which could impede their ability to return to the U.S. in the future.
The raid executed by U.S. Homeland Security is being described as the largest single-site enforcement operation amid ongoing deportation efforts. Notably, in the ten days leading up to the raid, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had engaged in a summit with President Donald Trump, discussing significant U.S. investments stemming from South Korea.
The majority of those detained were engineers tasked with the setup of the battery plant, but none of them are direct employees of Hyundai. Critics are saying that the U.S. needs to reform its visa regulations in order to better accommodate skilled workers from South Korea. The incident raises concerns regarding the potential implications for U.S.-South Korea relations moving forward.
In response to the situation, President Trump remarked that the workers “were here illegally,” highlighting the necessity for training U.S. citizens in specialized tasks, thereby pointing toward a shift in perspectives regarding the involvement of foreign skilled workers.
Conclusion
The scheduled departure of the South Korean charter plane is a critical step towards resolving the situation concerning the detained workers. With ongoing negotiations and the pressing need for clearer immigration policies, the coming days could prove pivotal in shaping future U.S.-South Korea relations.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the charter plane from Atlanta?
The charter plane is carrying South Korean workers who were detained during an immigration raid and is scheduled to return them to South Korea.
How many workers were detained during the raid?
A total of 475 workers were detained, which includes more than 300 South Koreans.
What has caused outrage in South Korea regarding this situation?
Footage showing some detained workers being shackled with chains has sparked outrage and feelings of betrayal among the South Korean public.
Where are the detained workers currently being held?
The detained workers are held at the Folkston Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Georgia.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Charter Plane | Boeing 747-8i operated by Korean Air, departing from Atlanta |
| Worker Details | Total 475, including over 300 South Koreans |
| Detention Date | September 4 |
| Current Location | Folkston ICE processing center, Georgia |
| Distance to Atlanta | Approximately 285 miles |
| Government Discussions | Involves South Korean Foreign Minister and U.S. Secretary of State |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Scheduled Departure for Detained South Korean Workers
Repatriation Efforts for Detained South Korean Workers
Additional Resources
- AP News: South Korean Immigration Raid
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- NBC News: South Korean Nationals Return Delayed
- Google Search: Hyundai Immigration Raid
- CNN: Georgia Hyundai ICE Raid
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
