South Korean Workers Return Home After U.S. Immigration Raid

Intermediate | September 24, 2025

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A Troubling Raid, A Heartfelt Return

The Raid and Its Impact

On September 4, 2025, hundreds of workers were detained in a large South Korean immigration raid at a Georgia plant jointly run by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution. The plant is still under construction as part of a \$7.6 billion factory complex focused on making battery cells for electric vehicles. (Reuters)

Returning Home

After a week in detention, over 300 South Korean nationals returned home on September 12, aboard a chartered Korean Air flight, greeted with cheers, family members, and government officials at Incheon International Airport. Many of those detained were among the approx. 475 workers picked up in the South Korean immigration raid, some of whom were also from other countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia. (Reuters)

Inside the Raid: Horror, Delay, and Diplomacy

How It Happened

Workers who experienced detention described it as traumatic. Some said the raid was “like a military operation,” with agents arriving in helicopters and armoured vehicles, separating people based on visa status (ESTA, B-1, etc.). Phones were confiscated, and many couldn’t contact family during detention. (Reuters)

Conditions in Detention

The conditions at the detention centre also drew criticism: overcrowding, poor food, and water that smelled of bleach. Meanwhile, South Korean officials — including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun — negotiated for their safe return and proposed changes in the U.S. visa system, including potentially creating a new visa category for specialists. (Reuters)

Reactions and Risks

Public Outcry

The images and stories from the detainees sparked strong public reaction in South Korea. Citizens and political leaders expressed outrage, especially over the way the workers were handcuffed and shackled. Many questioned whether this type of treatment is acceptable for an ally. (Reuters)

Political Response

President Lee Jae Myung warned that unless the visa situation improves, South Korean companies may rethink investing in the U.S. The battery plant’s startup is now expected to be delayed by at least two to three months because of the raid. (Reuters)

What’s Next: Policy, Trust, and Industry

Policy Fixes

Both Seoul and Washington are exploring longer‑term policy fixes. One idea: a working group to craft clearer rules on visas for foreign specialists helping to build U.S. industrial projects. This is important not just for fairness, but also for the credibility of investment‑agreements and the economic ties between the two countries. (Reuters)

Vocabulary

Detainee (noun) – a person held in custody, especially by legal authorities.
Example: The detainees described their treatment during the raid.
Shackle (verb) – to restrain with chains or irons.
Example: Workers were shackled at wrists and ankles.
Visa waiver (noun) – a program allowing people to enter without a visa for short stays.
Example: Some workers had visa waiver status (ESTA).
B-1 visa (noun) – a U.S. business visitor visa.
Example: He entered on a B-1 visa but was detained.
Trauma (noun) – deep emotional suffering following a distressing event.
Example: Many described the week as traumatic.
Specialist (noun) – a person with expert skills in a specific area.
Example: These plants need specialists to install complex equipment.
Delay (noun/verb) – to make something happen later than planned.
Example: The startup will face a two-to-three-month delay.
Public outcry (noun) – strong protest from many people.
Example: The images caused public outcry in South Korea.
Diplomatic (adjective) – related to relationships between countries.
Example: The case led to diplomatic efforts between Seoul and Washington.
Negotiate (verb) – to discuss something in order to reach an agreement.
Example: The governments negotiated a new visa system.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What were the main visa issues that affected the detained workers?
How did the raid impact South Korea’s view of investing in the United States?
In what ways did the workers describe their experience during detention?
Why did the start-up of the battery plant face delays?
What kind of policy changes are being proposed to prevent similar incidents?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How should countries balance immigration enforcement with economic cooperation?
What responsibilities do companies have to ensure foreign workers are protected?
Can large international investment projects succeed without clear visa policies?
How might public perception (in both countries) affect foreign investment?
In your opinion, what is the most fair way to allow skilled foreign workers to contribute to projects abroad?

Related Idiom

“Between a rock and a hard place” – stuck in a situation where there are two bad choices.
Example: The detained workers were between a rock and a hard place — trying to obey visa rules but needing to work; the companies needed their skills but lacked a proper visa path.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters (Reuters)