Frank Nez 
On September 8, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to foreign companies investing in the United States, urging them to “respect” the nation’s immigration laws following a massive raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia.
Trump, in a Truth Social post on Sunday, defended the operation that detained approximately 475 workers, including about 300 South Korean nationals, at the under-construction facility near Savannah.
The raid, the largest single-site immigration enforcement action in Department of Homeland Security history, has strained U.S.-South Korea relations, prompting Seoul to arrange a charter flight to repatriate detained workers.
The move highlights tensions between Trump’s aggressive immigration policies and his push for foreign investment, as economic challenges and political controversies intensify ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Details of the Hyundai Raid and Trump’s Response
The raid, conducted on September 4, 2025, at the Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia, targeted a $7.6 billion electric vehicle battery facility operated by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution.
ICE arrested 475 workers, with Homeland Security Investigations chief Steven Schrank stating that some had crossed the border illegally, while others overstayed visas or violated work restrictions, per Fox News.
South Korean media reported up to 560 detentions, with 300 South Korean nationals, including employees of a separate Korean company on a business trip, among those detained.
Footage showed workers in handcuffs and ankle chains being loaded onto buses, sparking outrage in Seoul.
Trump, in his Truth Social post, wrote, “Following the Immigration Enforcement Operation on the Hyundai Battery Plant in Georgia, I am hereby calling on all Foreign Companies investing in the United States to please respect our Nation’s Immigration Laws.
Your Investments are welcome, and we encourage you to LEGALLY bring your very smart people, with great technical talent, to build World Class products, and we will make it quickly and legally possible for you to do so.”
He emphasized hiring and training American workers, adding, “Together, we will all work hard to make our Nation not only productive, but closer in unity than ever before.”
Speaking to reporters, Trump acknowledged the need for foreign expertise in industries like battery manufacturing, stating, “If you don’t have people in this country right now that know about batteries, maybe we should help them along and let some people come in and train our people.”
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South Korea’s Reaction and Diplomatic Fallout
The raid, occurring just 10 days after Trump met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on August 25, 2025, to pledge stronger economic ties, has strained bilateral relations.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “concern and regret,” stating, “The economic activities of our companies investing in the United States and the interests of our citizens must not be unduly violated during the course of U.S. law enforcement.”
South Korea negotiated the release of detained workers, with Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announcing a charter flight to repatriate them once administrative processes are complete.
LG Energy Solution confirmed 47 of its employees were arrested, while Hyundai stated none were direct employees.
The operation has drawn criticism from both sides. Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) called it an “act of cruelty and injustice,” alleging wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens and lawful residents.
Writer James Surowiecki criticized the inconsistency of Trump’s economic strategy, stating, “Lutnick and Trump brag about getting South Korea to invest billions in the U.S., then turn around and arrest South Koreans who were here temporarily.”
South Korea’s foreign minister plans to visit Washington to discuss the raid and visa improvements.
The Hyundai raid underscores the tension between Trump’s push for foreign investment—South Korea committed $350 billion in exchange for reduced tariffs from 25% to 15%—and his hardline immigration stance.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the diplomatic fallout with a key ally and domestic criticism could erode Trump’s support, particularly as GOP figures like Rep. Thomas Massie challenge him on other fronts.
The administration’s balancing act between economic growth and immigration enforcement will be critical to maintaining political and international stability.
Also Read: ICE is Now Recruiting Teens and Seniors in ‘Desperate Attempt’
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