South Korea Vows Support After US Immigration Raid on Hyundai Plant

US Immigration Raid and Arrests

• 🇺🇸 A large-scale US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid occurred at a Hyundai Motor car battery facility in Georgia.
• 🇰🇷 Over 300 South Korean citizens were among the approximately 475 workers arrested in the operation.
• 📸 Video released by ICE showed Asian workers being shackled and boarding a bus following the raid.

South Korea's Response and Concerns

• 🚨 South Korea's President ordered all-out efforts to swiftly respond to the incident.
• 💬 The Foreign Minister expressed deep concern, stating that the president emphasized protecting the rights of South Korean citizens and the economic activities of investors during US law enforcement actions.

Diplomatic and Economic Context

• ⚠️ The raid, described as the largest single-site enforcement operation by the Department of Homeland Security, could deepen tensions between the US and South Korea.
• 🤝 South Korea is a key ally and investor in the US, with recent pledges including $150 billion in US investments, $26 billion of which is from Hyundai Motor.
• ⚖️ A Homeland Security official stated the operation sends a message that those who exploit the system and undermine the workforce will be held accountable.