Atlanta, GA, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A South Korean charter plane arriving in Atlanta is delayed in its mission to repatriate over 300 Korean workers detained during a recent immigration raid at a construction site. Originally set to leave shortly after landing, the flight has been rescheduled to depart the following day as diplomatic negotiations take place. The incident raises concerns about U.S.-South Korean relations, especially as some workers, who may have been authorized to work, now face complications in their immigration status. The South Korean government is pushing for a more favorable environment for skilled workers in the U.S.
Atlanta, GA – A South Korean charter plane that arrived in Atlanta on Wednesday is facing delays in its mission to repatriate Korean workers detained during an immigration raid in Georgia. The plane was originally scheduled to take the workers back shortly after its arrival but has since had its departure moved to noon on Thursday.
The immigration raid occurred on September 4 at a battery factory that is currently under construction for Hyundai Motor Group. A total of 475 workers were detained during the operation, including over 300 South Korean nationals. Disturbing video footage, released by U.S. authorities, showed some of the detained workers shackled, which has caused shock and dismay among many citizens in South Korea.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that diplomatic discussions have led to an agreement with the United States for the workers’ release. During a recent visit to Washington, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun communicated the emotional distress caused by the public dissemination of the arrest videos to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In the discussions, Cho Hyun emphasized that the workers should be allowed to leave without handcuffs and should not face difficulties in seeking future entry into the U.S.
The detained workers are currently being held at an immigration detention center located in Folkston, Georgia, which is approximately 285 miles (460 kilometers) from Atlanta. South Korean officials are engaged in negotiations to facilitate “voluntary” departures rather than deportations, which could lead to future reentry problems for the workers.
The immigration raid was carried out by the U.S. Homeland Security Agency as part of its broader mass deportation initiatives. The battery plant involved is one of the largest industrial sites undergoing development in the region. Some of the Korean nationals detained have been identified as having illegally crossed the U.S. border, while others were found to have expired visas or entered under visa waivers that prohibited them from working.
The charter flight, operated by Korean Air, departed from Seoul on Wednesday morning and landed at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. However, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has indicated that the detained Korean nationals would be “deported,” which has prompted further discussions regarding the appropriate terminology surrounding their release.
This incident has broader implications for U.S.-South Korean relations. With concerns expressed by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung regarding the impact of the raid, Korean companies are reportedly re-evaluating their investments in the United States as a direct consequence. Furthermore, South Korean officials are considering the introduction of a new visa category for skilled workers as part of ongoing negotiations with U.S. authorities.
Immigration attorneys have pointed out that many of the detained workers were legally authorized to work in their roles, depending on specific visa classifications. In response, the South Korean government is seeking to amend existing U.S. immigration laws to create a more accommodating environment for its skilled workforce.
Conclusion
This situation highlights the intersections of immigration policies, international relations, and the realities faced by individuals caught in such operations, impacting not just the workers involved, but also the diplomatic ties between South Korea and the United States.
FAQ
Why was the South Korean charter plane delayed?
The charter plane’s departure for repatriating detained workers was postponed from Wednesday to Thursday due to ongoing discussions regarding their release and future immigration status.
How many workers were detained in the immigration raid?
A total of 475 workers were detained during the raid, with over 300 of them being South Korean nationals.
What actions are South Korean officials taking regarding the detained workers?
South Korean officials are negotiating the workers’ voluntary departures rather than deportations and are seeking to amend U.S. immigration laws to accommodate skilled workers.
What are the broader implications of this situation?
The incident raises concerns over U.S.-South Korean relations, and some Korean companies are reconsidering their investments in the United States due to the potential negative impacts of the raid.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of Raid | Battery factory under construction for Hyundai Motor Group, Georgia |
| Total Workers Detained | 475, including over 300 South Koreans |
| Initial Departure Date | Wednesday |
| New Departure Date | Thursday at noon |
| Current Holding Location | Folkston, Georgia Immigration Detention Center |
| Potential Changes | Negotiations for a new visa category for skilled workers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Korean Charter Plane Scheduled for Worker Repatriation
Scheduled Departure for Detained South Korean Workers
Repatriation Efforts for Detained South Korean Workers
Additional Resources
- AP News: Georgia Immigration Raid
- Wikipedia: Immigration Law
- WRAL: Departure Timeline for Korean Workers
- Google Search: Georgia Immigration Raid
- Chosun: South Korean Workers Detained
- Google Scholar: Immigration Raid Impact
- CBS News: Ties Strained Over Immigration Raid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- ABC7: US Immigration Raid Update
- Google News: South Korean Workers Detained
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.
