A recent incident involving South Korean workers at a construction site in Georgia has sparked legal action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to a report, the detained workers, who were later released, are now preparing to file a lawsuit against ICE, alleging various violations.
The article, titled “These South Korean workers came to the US to build an EV battery plant. They left in shackles. They still want to know why,” highlights the experience of one of the detained individuals, referred to as Kim. Kim is among nearly 200 detainees planning to sue ICE, claiming unlawful policing, racial profiling, human rights violations, excessive force, and unlawful arrest. The September raid involved approximately 450 people, with over 300 being Korean nationals.
In an interview with ABC, Kim expressed his frustration, stating, “We just want to correct the record, because even now, we’ve never received neither an apology nor an explanation.” He added, “I don’t think I’ll ever go to the U.S. again, even for travel. But if I have to go for a business trip, I’ll have no choice but to go.”
Kim entered the U.S. on a B1 visa for short-term business purposes and was deployed to the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant construction site in Savannah, Georgia. He believed he was contributing to the revival of U.S. manufacturing, as promised by the Trump administration.
However, everything changed on the morning of September 4 when ICE arrived at the factory. The agency began classifying workers by their visa type and executing arrest warrants. Kim recalled that most workers didn’t understand English and had no idea what the documents meant. He described the scene as something out of a movie, with officers in full tactical gear, rifles in hand, and helicopters hovering overhead.
ICE confiscated the workers’ phones and shackled their hands, feet, and chests. Kim said, “Some workers fell while walking in shackles. We were detained without explanation and fell into panic, not knowing what was happening.”
The arrested Koreans were transferred to immigration detention facilities and housed in large rooms in groups of 60 to 80 people. Kim described the detention center as “cold and filthy, with moldy beds and smelly water. Toilets offered no privacy. Guards mocked Asians by discussing Kim Jong-un [North Korean leader] in front of us and pulling their eyes sideways.”
Although Kim and others were released after a week and returned to Korea, he remains unsettled. He stated, “Our goal was to train U.S. workers and return as soon as possible. We didn’t go to take anyone’s job or immigrate. I still want to know why ICE arrested us and why we were held for a week.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to the incident, saying, “All foreign workers must enter the U.S. with proper work authorization. President Trump aims to make America the best country for business but will enforce federal immigration laws thoroughly.”
Hyundai Motor Company also commented on the situation, stating in a letter to ABC, “The plant is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2026, and we will comply with all laws and regulations.”