475 people taken into ICE custody at Hyundai plant in Georgia
United States immigration authorities have arrested 475 people in a raid on a Hyundai manufacturing site in Georgia, Steve Schrank, a special agent in charge of Homeland Securities Investigations Atlanta, said at a press conference on Friday.
The Hyundai facility, located in Ellabell, Georgia -- approximately 30 miles west of Savannah -- was raided “as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices and other serious federal crimes,” according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security.
The raid was authorized by a judge-issued search warrant following a monthslong investigation of the facility, Schrank said. The investigation of the worksite remains active, he added, but no charges of wrongdoing have been filed.
The arrested individuals worked for several contractors as well as the parent company, Hyundai, Schrank said.
"This in fact was the largest single-site enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations," Schrank added.
Hyundai released a statement regarding the raid, saying it was aware of the incident and “closely monitoring the situation and working to understand the specific circumstances.”
“As of today, it is our understanding that none of those detained is directly employed by Hyundai Motor Company,” the company said.
In a press briefing, the South Korea's foreign ministry said it has conveyed its "concerns and regret" to the United States over the raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant, "urging special attention to ensure that the legitimate rights and interests of our citizens are not violated."
"The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated," a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said.
Consular officials were sent to the plant and local diplomatic missions were told to set up a task force to address issues related to the raid.
“This investigation is focused on ensuring accountability for those who violate the law and upholding the rule of law,” a DHS spokesperson said.
