Federal law enforcement authorities are defending the detention Thursday of 475 workers at Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery plant west of Savannah – most Korean nationals – amid complaints from the South Korean government and Democrats.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant on a construction site as part of a monthslong investigation into allegations of unlawful employment practices at the battery plant involving both Hyundai employees and workers for a variety of contractors and subcontractors, Steven Schrank, special agent in charge of homeland security investigations in Georgia and Alabama, said Friday during a news conference in Savannah.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting jobs for Georgians and Americans, ensuring a level playing field for businesses that comply with the law, safeguarding the integrity of our economy, and protecting workers from exploitation,” he said.
“We are sending a clear and unequivocal message that those who exploit our workforce, undermine our economy, and violate federal laws will be held accountable.”
Schrank said there was no use of force in Thursday’s operation at the Hyundai plant, and there were only two minor injuries. No one has been charged with a crime at this point in what he described as an ongoing investgation.
But the South Korean government expressed “concern and regret” Friday after what Schrank described as the largest single-site operation in the homeland security agency’s history.
“The economic activities of our companies investing in the U.S. and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated,” Korean foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said in a press briefing, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported Friday. “We conveyed our concern and regret through the U.S. Embassy in Seoul today.”
Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Bailey condemned the federal operation at the battery plant.
“These raids are politically motivated fear tactics designed to terrorize people who work hard for a living, power our economy, and contribute to the communities across Georgia that they have made their homes,” Bailey said.
“The Trump administration breaking its promise to target violent criminals and instead targeting hardworking people does nothing to make Georgia stronger – it is political grandstanding at the cost of Georgia families, businesses, and livelihoods.”
Schrank said the 475 detainees have been turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE ), with most being sent to an ICE processing center in Folkston.