Trump welcomes foreign workers after ICE targets South Koreans in Georgia raid
▼ Summary
– President Trump is attempting to ease tensions with South Korea after ICE arrested nearly 500 workers, including about 300 South Koreans, at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
– ICE detained the workers for alleged visa overstays or unauthorized work, though some reports indicate at least one legally employed worker was forced to leave.
– Many workers entered the U.S. on short-term business visas, a practice previously overlooked by administrations but cheaper and faster for companies than H-1B visas.
– The raid risks delaying Hyundai’s $21 billion U.S. investment plans and drew strong criticism from South Korean leaders, who called it bewildering and damaging to business confidence.
– The incident strains U.S.-South Korea relations, prompting discussions on clearer visa guidelines and potential new worker categories, while Trump expressed openness to foreign workers training U.S. employees.
In a move that appears to soften his administration’s recent enforcement actions, President Donald Trump has extended a welcoming hand to foreign workers, just days after a major immigration raid targeted hundreds of South Korean employees at a Hyundai facility in Georgia. The operation, which drew sharp criticism from Seoul, has placed a strain on economic relations with a key U.S. ally at a time when the administration is actively seeking to attract international investment.
Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a large-scale operation at an electric vehicle battery plant run by Hyundai and LG Energy Solutions. Nearly 500 workers were detained, with approximately 300 reported to be South Korean nationals. According to official statements, the individuals were accused of either overstaying their visas or working without proper authorization.
Accounts from detained workers paint a distressing picture. Several individuals told media outlets they were restrained with handcuffs and shackles before being transported to an ICE detention center in Folkston, Georgia. Their personal belongings, including mobile phones, were seized during the process. Questions have since emerged regarding the legality of some arrests; in at least one case, officials reportedly acknowledged a worker held valid employment status but still compelled his departure from the country.
Many of those detained had entered the U.S. using B1 business visas or the visa waiver program, which permit stays of six months or 90 days, respectively. These short-term options are often favored by companies over more cumbersome long-term visas like the H-1B due to their lower cost and quicker processing. Although the practice of using temporary visas for extended work assignments is not new, previous administrations had generally exercised discretion in enforcement.
The raid comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to incentivize foreign corporations to increase investment in the United States. Hyundai had previously announced a major financial commitment, pledging $21 billion in U.S. investments between 2025 and 2028, alongside plans to significantly ramp up domestic vehicle production. The sudden loss of hundreds of workers has already forced delays, including a postponed opening for the company’s new Georgia factory.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed strong disapproval, characterizing the enforcement action as “extremely bewildering” and warning that it may cause Korean firms to reconsider future U.S. investments. In response, diplomatic channels have been activated to negotiate clearer visa guidelines and explore the creation of a dedicated visa category for Korean workers entering the U.S.
The situation highlights a delicate balancing act for the White House, which aims to both enforce immigration laws and maintain strong international partnerships. In a recent social media post, President Trump struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing that foreign workers are welcome in the U.S. and expressing a desire to “learn from them” while aiming to surpass global competitors in industry and innovation.
(Source: The Verge)
