White House Apologizes to Hyundai CEO Over Georgia Immigration Raid Amid Rising US-South Korea Tensions
The White House has apologized to Hyundai CEO José Muñoz regarding the immigration raid in September at the Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia. During the raid, more than 300 South Korean workers were detained and held for over a week before being returned to South Korea after urgent talks between the two nations.
The incident sparked outrage, particularly in South Korea, as images emerged showing workers sitting on the factory floor with their legs shackled. This raised tensions between the United States and South Korea. Georgia's Governor stated that the immigration raid was not under state jurisdiction.
Hyundai warned that the raid would delay the opening of the plant due to labor shortages but reaffirmed its commitment to manufacturing in the United States. Muñoz explained that a false call suggesting the presence of illegal immigrants at the plant led to the raid, which he described as a "bad surprise."
Prior to the raid, U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed opposition to such actions and highlighted that there was an understanding to bring in experts for establishing specialized facilities and training local workers at the plant.
In a related development in October, the United States and South Korea announced a broad trade deal reducing reciprocal tariffs from 25% to 15%. As part of the agreement, South Korea committed to investing approximately $350 billion in the United States.
