Atlanta, Georgia, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A charter flight carrying over 300 South Korean workers arrived in Atlanta to repatriate those detained during an immigration raid at a battery factory construction site. The raid, which resulted in the detention of over 475 workers, has sparked outrage in South Korea, particularly after footage showed workers shackled. Negotiations are ongoing to secure voluntary departures and address the implications this incident may have on U.S.-Korean relations and visa regulations for skilled workers.
Atlanta, Georgia
A charter plane from South Korea arrived in Atlanta on September 10, 2025, aiming to repatriate over 300 Korean workers detained during an immigration raid. The plane, operated by Korean Air, initially had plans to return with the workers on the same day, but those plans were canceled, and the workers are now slated to depart on September 11, 2025, at noon.
The detentions occurred during a raid conducted on September 4 at a construction site of a battery factory in Georgia, a project in partnership with Hyundai and LG Energy Solution. A total of 475 workers were detained, with the majority being South Korean nationals. Reports indicated that U.S. authorities released footage showing some of the detained individuals shackled, which has sparked significant outrage in South Korea.
The detained workers are currently being held at the Folkston Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Folkston, Georgia. In response to the situation, officials from South Korea spent an extensive amount of time negotiating voluntary departures for the workers to avoid deportation, which could hinder their ability to re-enter the U.S. for up to ten years.
Government Response and Diplomatic Discussions
South Korea’s Foreign Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the release of the detention videos and has sought assurances for the humane treatment of the workers during their repatriation efforts. During a visit to Washington, the Foreign Minister proposed the establishment of a joint working group with the U.S. to explore a new visa category for South Korean workers, reflecting concerns over visa regulations and employment patterns for skilled labor involved in projects like the Georgia battery plant.
The battery plant, one of the largest economic initiatives in Georgia’s history, was expected to have significant investment implications for the region. Legal representation for the detained workers has indicated that many of them were employed under legitimate B-1 business visitor visas or visa waiver programs.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has acknowledged the country’s responsibility for the situation, labeling the incident as an unjust infringement upon the activities of its nationals. Previous dialogues between South Korea and the U.S. had sought to address visa-related issues necessary for projects such as the construction of the battery facility. However, the recent raid is a strong sign of intensified enforcement of visa laws, diverging from previous leniencies towards South Korean workers.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The immigration raid has incited local protests in South Korea, as demonstrators have rallied for an apology from U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the public sentiment around the treatment of their nationals abroad. In addition, South Korean officials have maintained that they are worried about the potential implications of this incident on U.S.-Korean relationships, especially within the realms of economic collaboration and investment assurances.
Summary of Key Details
- Charter plane arrived in Atlanta on September 10, 2025, to repatriate detained workers.
- Over 300 South Korean workers detained during immigration raid on September 4, 2025.
- Footage of detained workers shackled drew public outrage in South Korea.
- Negotiation for voluntary departures is in progress to avoid long-term deportation issues.
- The incident raises concerns regarding visa enforcement and U.S.-Korean relations.
Chart: Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Arrival | September 10, 2025 |
| Number of Workers Detained | Over 475 (more than 300 South Korean) |
| Location of Raid | Battery factory construction site in Georgia |
| Type of Visa | B-1 business visitor visa or visa waiver programs |
| Next Departure Scheduled | September 11, 2025, at noon |
FAQs
What led to the detention of the South Korean workers?
The workers were detained during an immigration raid aimed at enforcing visa regulations at a construction site for a battery factory in Georgia.
How many workers are affected by the raid?
Over 475 workers were detained, with more than 300 being South Korean nationals.
What is the current status of the detained workers?
The workers are being held at the Folkston Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Georgia while negotiations for their voluntary departure are ongoing.
What has the South Korean government done in response?
South Korean officials have been negotiating the voluntary departures of the workers and have expressed concerns about their humane treatment and potential visa issues they may face in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CNN
- The New York Times
- Associated Press
- BBC News
- Reuters
- Wikipedia: 2025 Georgia immigration raid
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Laws
- Google Search: Hyundai Battery Plant Georgia
- Google Scholar: Georgia Immigration Raid South Korea
- Google News: South Korea Immigration 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.
