South Korea plans to send a chartered plane to Atlanta on September 10, 2025, to repatriate hundreds of its citizens detained during a US immigration raid last week. This move follows the arrest of about 475 workers at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia, including roughly 300 South Koreans.
- South Korea plans to repatriate detained citizens.
- A chartered flight will operate to Atlanta.
- About 475 people detained at Georgia construction site.
- US immigration authorities cited illegal work violations.
- South Korea seeks assurances against long US re-entry bans.
- Trump warned foreign companies to respect US immigration laws.
On September 5, US authorities detained workers at a $4.3 billion joint Hyundai-LG plant in Bryan County, Georgia. Immigration officials said the arrests targeted illegal employment, with detainees found working without proper visas. South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, is heading to Washington to negotiate guarantees that the workers won’t face long-term bans from re-entry. The incident has caused outrage in South Korea, which has invested heavily in the US. President Trump also warned foreign companies to respect US immigration laws while promoting American hiring and training.
- South Korea will operate a Boeing 747-8i flight to Atlanta on September 10.
- Approximately 300 South Korean nationals were detained in the raid.
- South Korea’s Foreign Minister is seeking assurances from US officials.
- The incident strains US-South Korea relations amid ongoing foreign investment.
The planned repatriation underscores the diplomatic effort to protect South Korean workers and maintain strong US ties. The incident may influence future cooperation on immigration issues and foreign investment policies.
