Atlanta, Georgia, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta, Georgia now ranks fifth in the nation for immigration enforcement, with ICE arrests nearly quadrupling. A new state law and a recent raid at a Hyundai factory have heightened tensions, particularly among the local Korean community. Advocates argue that many of those arrested are non-violent offenders, raising civil rights concerns as communities rally in support of those impacted.
Atlanta, Georgia has seen a significant increase in immigration arrests, with the area’s ICE presence surging to the extent that it has become the fifth-ranked city nationwide for immigration enforcement. In a startling development, immigration arrests in Georgia nearly quadrupled in 2025, a shift that contradicts claims by the Trump administration that dangerous criminals were the focus of such enforcement actions.
According to recent data, 76% of those arrested by ICE in Georgia have a criminal background; however, advocates assert that most of these convictions are for minor offenses such as traffic violations. Alarmingly, 87% of individuals with criminal records that were deported by the ICE field office in Atlanta did not commit aggravated felonies. This points to a troubling trend toward targeting non-violent offenders in the state’s immigration enforcement practices.
A new state law has been identified as a contributing factor to the rise in arrests, with implications for the state’s detention facilities and overall climate surrounding immigration enforcement. On July 2, Etihad Airways launched its inaugural nonstop flight from Abu Dhabi to Atlanta, with plans for further expansion in November, underscoring Atlanta’s growing importance as an international hub.
The immigration situation in Georgia has drawn significant attention in various communities. Nearly 500 people were arrested recently at a Hyundai factory—marking one of the largest workplace raids during Trump’s second term. A noteworthy portion of those arrested were South Korean nationals. Despite most detainees, including 316 Korean nationals, being released following the operation, it has sparked anxiety within the local Korean community about the implications for their families.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s office has maintained that the state values its relationship with South Korea, highlighting the partnership developed over the past 40 years, even amidst concerns following the Hyundai incident. The Hyundai facility has supported around 1,200 jobs since its opening, alongside ongoing and planned expansions in electric vehicle and battery production.
ICE’s actions have increasingly raised concerns about the nature of the arrests. Data from June 2025 revealed that non-criminal arrests constituted 42% of total arrests in Georgia, reinforcing worries over the targeting of individuals with no documented criminal convictions. The number of ICE arrests in the state has increased dramatically overall, allowing enforcement practices to come under scrutiny.
Mario Guevara, a journalist based in metro Atlanta, remains in custody at ICE since June, sparking community debates around wrongful detention in light of the recent enforcement shifts. Activists gathered at the Georgia State Capitol to show support for Guevara while expressing broader concerns for the rights and safety of undocumented individuals in the community.
The implications of these actions extend beyond the immediate individuals affected. This recent surge in immigration enforcement activities reflects a larger pattern prompting increased discussions about U.S. immigration policy. Advocacy groups and community members remain concerned about the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities and the potential breaching of civil rights amidst these enforcement practices.
Key Data on Immigration Enforcement in Georgia
- Georgia ranks fifth nationwide for immigration enforcement.
- Immigration arrests in Georgia nearly quadrupled in 2025.
- 76% of those arrested by ICE in Georgia have criminal records.
- 87% of individuals with criminal records deported did not commit aggravated felonies.
- 42% of June arrests in Georgia involved individuals with no documented criminal convictions.
- Nearly 500 individuals were arrested at a Hyundai factory, including many South Korean nationals.
- Most detainees from the Hyundai operation were released, sparking concerns in the Korean community.
FAQ
What has caused the surge in immigration arrests in Georgia?
Georgia’s ICE presence has surged, leading Atlanta to rank fifth nationally for immigration enforcement. A new state law has also been identified as a factor contributing to the rise in arrests.
Statistics on immigration arrests in Georgia?
Immigration arrests in Georgia have nearly quadrupled in 2025, with 76% of those arrested having a criminal background and 42% of June arrests involving individuals with no documented criminal convictions.
What impact did the Hyundai factory raid have?
Nearly 500 people were arrested at the Hyundai factory in Georgia, with most detainees being released. The raid has prompted anxiety among the Korean community regarding family safety and civil rights.
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Atlanta Ranks Among Top ICE Enforcement Zones
- CBS News: Atlanta Korean Community Response to ICE Arrests
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Non-Criminal ICE Arrests Surge
- BBC: Georgia’s Immigration Enforcement Issues
- NBC News: South Korean Nationals and the Hyundai Immigration Raid
- Wikipedia: ICE Enforcement in the United States
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.
