U.S. immigration authorities detained 475 individuals Sept. 5 during a sweeping raid at a Hyundai LG electric vehicle battery plant near Savannah, GA, marking the largest single site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The operation targeted unlawful employment practices amid a months long investigation, halting progress on one of Georgia’s largest industrial investments.
Authorities executed a judge authorized search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal probe, said HSI Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank. No formal charges have been filed at this time.
The Hyundai LG joint venture, often referred to as the Metaplant, spans approximately 3,000 acres and is set to produce EV batteries for Hyundai’s adjacent manufacturing facility. Construction on the battery plant has been paused, although operations at the nearby EV assembly plant remain unaffected.
Most of those detained were South Korean nationals, including many on temporary assignments or subcontracted labor, with several having overstayed visas or lacking proper work authorization. Hyundai emphasized that none were directly employed by the automaker.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expressed “concerns and regret,” urging U.S. authorities to safeguard the rights of its nationals, and dispatched consular officials and a task force to manage the situation. The bipartisan political response was starkly polarized: in statements released the same day, GOP officials highlighted law enforcement priorities, while Georgia Democrats warned of broader economic and diplomatic repercussions.
Analysts note the raid reflects the Trump administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement—even amid efforts to attract foreign capital in sectors like EV manufacturing. The raid may complicate South Korea's substantial U.S. investments, including the $7.6 billion plant in Georgia and future projects pledged across several states.
HSI confirmed this is the agency’s single largest workplace sweeping operation in U.S. history. The raid involved multiple federal agencies, including ICE, FBI, DEA and ATF. HSI also confirmed minimal injuries; one worker was treated for heat exhaustion and one agent for a minor cut.
