ICE Raid Arrests 450 Undocumented Workers at Hyundai’s Georgia EV Plant
SAVANNAH, Ga. – In a major worksite enforcement operation, federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested approximately 450 undocumented immigrants during a raid on Hyundai Motor Group’s under-construction electric vehicle (EV) plant in Bryan County, Georgia, on Thursday.
The raid, which involved multiple federal agencies, targeted the massive $7.6 billion facility over alleged unlawful hiring practices. The operation significantly disrupted construction at the plant, a key project in America’s expanding EV manufacturing sector.
The action has ignited a firestorm of criticism and support. Hyundai released a statement pledging its full cooperation with authorities. The government of South Korea, where Hyundai is headquartered, formally criticized the raid.
The event highlights the ongoing tension between aggressive immigration enforcement and economic development initiatives. Critics of the operation argue that companies should be held accountable for hiring undocumented workers instead of the local workforce.
The raid is seen as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration and employer compliance, a signature policy of the current administration. The incident throws a spotlight on the challenges facing large-scale industrial projects that rely on a vast construction labor force.
This story is developing and may be updated.
