On September 4, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, conducted a major raid at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Ellabell, Georgia, about 25 miles west of Savannah. The operation, described as the largest single-site enforcement action in HSI’s history, resulted in the arrest of 475 workers, most of whom were South Korean nationals.
Today, @ATFAtlanta joined HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP and other agencies in a major immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega site battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of ~450 unlawful aliens, emphasizing our commitment to community safety. #ATF pic.twitter.com/su6raLrLu6
— ATF Atlanta (@ATFAtlanta) September 4, 2025
The raid targeted alleged unlawful employment practices and other federal crimes, following a months-long investigation. Workers were detained for entering the U.S. illegally, overstaying visas, or working without authorization.
The operation halted construction at the battery plant, a joint venture between Hyundai and LG, which is part of a $7.6 billion project hailed as Georgia’s largest economic development initiative.
Hyundai stated that none of the detained workers were directly employed by them, and the company is cooperating with authorities.
When will the employers be held accountable for hiring illegals????? We have a law that requires e-Verify to confirm citizenship. They clearly are not complying. It’s time to issue huge fines or pull licenses on these employers. Taking jobs that Americans should have.
— PB (@PeeBee3981) September 5, 2025
The South Korean government expressed concern over the detentions, urging respect for its nationals’ rights. “The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” Lee Jae-woong, the ministry spokesperson, said at a press briefing Friday.
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp supported the raid, emphasizing enforcement of immigration laws, while local labor groups and the Democratic Party of Georgia criticized it as politically motivated.
The detained workers are being held at ICE’s Folkston, Georgia, facility, with their cases under review.