Atlanta, GA, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A chartered flight is set to transport 316 South Korean workers who were detained during a U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant. Concerns arise over the raid’s impact on U.S.-South Korea relations. The South Korean government negotiates for voluntary departures to avoid formal deportation. The situation has led to rising tensions between the two countries, with calls for better visa arrangements for skilled workers.
Atlanta—A chartered flight carrying 316 South Korean workers, who were detained in a significant U.S. immigration raid, is scheduled to depart from Atlanta at noon on Thursday. This information was confirmed by the South Korean foreign ministry after delays that were reportedly tied to orders from President Donald Trump.
Of the 316 detained, the group consists of 307 men and 10 women, all of whom were arrested during a raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia on September 4. The operation, characterized as the largest single-site enforcement event in the history of Homeland Security Investigations, targeted alleged unlawful employment practices related to the construction of the battery plant. Only one worker made the decision to remain in the United States rather than agreeing to a “voluntary departure.”
The flight back to Seoul will also accommodate 14 other individuals from Asian countries, including 10 from China, three from Japan, and one from Indonesia. Initially, there were hopes for the Korean Air flight to take off as soon as Wednesday; however, it faced delays due to unspecified “circumstances on the U.S. side.”
In light of public outcry over footage showing some of the detained workers in shackles, the U.S. has agreed to transport the remaining detainees from the Folkston ICE Processing Center without physical restraints. Concerns were raised by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who discussed the ordeal with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the distress endured by the affected workers.
The South Korean government has been actively negotiating for alternative solutions to prevent formal deportation orders that could affect the workers’ eligibility for future U.S. entry. Cho proposed that the South Korean workers return home first and then re-enter the U.S. for employment opportunities.
Despite the magnitude of the raid, U.S. authorities have not filed any criminal charges against the detained workers, who were largely skilled professionals. This incident has sparked rising tensions and concerns regarding the ramifications it could have on U.S.-South Korea relations. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed worries about the potential negative impacts on business operations and investment sentiment in the U.S.
Frustration over U.S. visa policies has been echoed by South Korean companies that feel that current regulations are not adequately tailored to meet the needs of the skilled labor force essential for ongoing projects. Meanwhile, Trump has reaffirmed his stance on prioritizing the development of the U.S. workforce for specialized roles, deeming the workers as illegal.
South Korean analysts and officials have criticized the rigid approach taken by the U.S. toward their detained nationals, suggesting a need for improved visa arrangements that better serve South Korean professionals. The “Partner with Korea Act,” which seeks to create 15,000 specialized work visas for skilled Koreans, has been introduced but has yet to progress.
The repercussions of the raid and subsequent detentions may carry long-term diplomatic implications, igniting fears of declining bilateral ties due to stringent immigration enforcement practices. Public sentiment in South Korea reflects a mix of outrage, frustration, and demands for more humane treatment and structured visa options for skilled workers.
FAQ
What led to the detention of the South Korean workers?
The workers were detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, part of a wider criminal investigation into alleged unlawful employment practices.
When will the detained workers return to South Korea?
A chartered flight is scheduled to depart from Atlanta, Georgia, at noon on Thursday, transporting the detained workers back to South Korea.
What were the outcomes of the negotiations regarding the detained workers?
The South Korean government negotiated for voluntary departures instead of formal deportation orders, which could impact workers’ eligibility for future U.S. entry.
Key Features of the Detention Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Raid | September 4 |
| Number of Detainees | 316 South Korean Workers |
| Additional Nationalities on Flight | 10 from China, 3 from Japan, 1 from Indonesia |
| Current Location of Detainees | Folkston ICE Processing Center |
| Proposed Visa Bill | “Partner with Korea Act” for 15,000 specialized work visas |
| Context of Detention | Investigation into unlawfully employed workers at a construction site |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Repatriation Efforts for Detained South Korean Workers
Additional Resources
- AP News: South Korean Immigration Raid
- Google Search: South Korean Immigration Raid
- NBC News: Delayed Return of South Korean Nationals
- Wikipedia: Immigration
- Reuters: Detained Workers Return
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- CNN: ICE Raid on South Korean Workers
- Google News: Georgia Hyundai 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.
